Obituary of Joan Dorothy Vinson

Joan Dorothy Vinson, 85, of Post Falls, Idaho, earned her Angel Wings on May 10, 2017 at Hospice House of North Idaho.

Joan was born on June 8, 1931 to Floyd Harbeck and Lucille Sturm in Lead, South Dakota.  It was there in the mountains of the Black Hills she spent her childhood, with her sister, Jacqueline Sies, of Dallas, Texas and her brother, George Williams, of Jackson, Mississippi.

Survived by her daughters, Christine Tolotti and husband Ken, of Cook, Washington; Kristi Martin, of Forest Lake, Minnesota;  Evonne J. Hadfield and husband, Brent, of Athol, Idaho.  Eight nieces and nephews, 7 grand-children, 18 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild. 

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey Vinson who passed away on March 13, 2017 just 59 days prior to her passing, and her son Harvey Vinson Jr. of Post Falls, ID.

Joan and her sister moved to California with their mother.  It was there she met her life mate of 64 years.  A handsome military man, Harvey Vinson.  They married and they started their family as they traveled across the United States to different bases. They also traveled to Guam for 2 years where the family shared many adventures. They served their country well. Retiring in Post Falls.

Joan also loved animals.  She had many and had a story about each one.  She is survived by Missy Sue Mae and Kit, they stayed by her side until she died.

Mom loved her children and together they shared the beauty of the outdoors, camping, fishing, riding snow mobiles, and hunting.

This beautiful woman who always dressed up in her ‘bling’ jeans was multi-talented.  She had the voice of an angel.  Singing and taking lessons from her step-mother, we all remember the stories of the lemon juice she had to drink every morning to keep her perfect singing voice.  Singing with the Sweet Adelines, of Coeur d’ Alene, was her claim to fame.  Of course, she sang the sweetest ‘Happy Birthday’ songs to us all, every year. She loved music.  Fond memories for the children and grandchildren as she sang to them on holidays.

She made birthday, wedding, and anniversary cakes, decorating them beautifully. Her ceramic pieces were outstanding, she was quite an artist.

God bless you Mom, thank you for years of laughter, love and memories. You will be missed by your family and many friends who loved you. Peace be with you.

We will be having a Celebration of life for both Vince and Joan on August 5th, 2017.  We will be contacting friends and family with details.