Obituary of Joanne Erma Springer

Joanne Erma Cooper Springer was born to the late Edward and Annette Cooper in Gridley, CA on October 4, 1940. Her love of children, teaching, her country and the gospel of Jesus Christ was known to many. She graduated from Gridley High School in 1958 followed by an Associates degree from Yuba College, then a Bachelor of Arts degree from Chico State University in 1962. While attending Yuba College she was able to showcase her cheer and spunk as a Song Leader. After graduation she met her eternal companion Delbert Springer and they were married on February 8; the beginning of a legacy. Joanne and Delbert left their small town with Jill Hayden, Joanne’s best friend, to start teaching careers in the big city of San Jose. On October 30, 1965, Joanne and Delbert were sealed for eternity in the Oakland, CA temple. In 1977, she earned her life teaching credential, touching the lives of many students.

Joanne was blessed with a large and loving family raising five children with her sweetheart. During their early years of marriage Delbert and Joanne packed up their young family moving to the north shore of Hawaii, instilling the “Aloha” spirit in all their children. She was known in the community for making the best pies and sandwiches, and was often seen reading books in the shade waiting for her children or grandchildren. Joanne taught students for 42 years; she was elated when she realized her first classroom in Gridley was also her youngest grandsons’ second grade classroom at Woodrow Wilson School, room 8. She was known for her kind smile and love in her heart for everyone.

Joanne is survived by her loving husband of 59 years Delbert, her children Brent (Kelly), Michael (Karen), Melanie (Brian), Jill (Norm), and Jared (Jenna). She loved her children dearly but the true loves of her life were her grandchildren and great grandchildren; Brock, Ellexis, Christian, Roxanna, John, Aubrey, Cooper, Brigham, Riley, Ty, Trent, Maura, Daxton, Reagan, Gianna, Jensen, ”sweet” Caroline, and Thomas. In addition, she is survived by her older sister Sylvia Longacre and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her Grandmother Roof, Mother Annette and Father Edward Cooper; Aunt Elsie and Uncle Woodrow Cooper, brothers Barry and Roger Cooper, sisters Linda Stepps and Annette Eager.

Our angel on earth passed peacefully surrounded by her family. A funeral service in memory of Joanne will be held on Saturday, September 24th, 2022 at 11:00 am at the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1259 French Ave, Gridley, CA. A private family burial will follow. In lieu of flowers please donate to Gridley Friends of the library.

Arrangements entrusted to Gridley-Block Funeral Chapel.