The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Joan Shirley Alba, 84, of Orange, Texas, passed away on February 17, 2024, at Oakwood Manor in Vidor, Texas.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, February 22, 2024, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Officiating will be Chaplain Wanda Whitehead. Burial will follow at Autumn Oaks Memorial Park Cemetery in Orange.

Visitation will begin prior to the service at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, February 22, 2024, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

Born in Franklin, Louisiana, on September 7, 1939, she was the daughter of Lewis Wilson, Sr. and Florence (Henderson) Wilson. Joan dedicated over 40 years of her life as the office manager for Dr. Bill Leifeste, showcasing her strong work ethic and commitment. In addition to her professional endeavors, she also owned a small floral business named Ariannes, where she poured her passion for working with flowers. Those who knew Joan will always remember her as a devoted family woman who cherished her children and loved ones deeply. Her affection extended to animals as well, as she adored her pets, Spottee and Bandit with all her heart. Outside of work, Joan found joy in simple pleasures like swimming in her pool and tending to her yard. Among Joan's proudest accomplishments was graduating from Vidor High School and later settling in McLewis before eventually making Orange her home. Joan was a very classy lady who took great pride in her appearance, always making sure no hair was out of place. May we carry forward the love she shared with her family, the kindness she showed to all creatures, and the pride she took in both her work and appearance.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Florence and Lewis Wilson, Sr.; husband, Roy Alba, Sr.; first husband, Wayne Richard Willett; and son, Alec Willett.

She is survived by her son, Richard Willett and wife, Judy; grandchildren, Pamela Ford and husband, Shane; great grandchildren, Cody Ford and wife, Christian, Zane Ford and wife, Isabella; great great grandchild, Grayson Ford; brother, Lewis Wilson, Jr.; and several other loving family and friends.