JoAnn Ross

JoAnn (Bourg) Ross, 86, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on the first of February in Shreveport, where she spent her final moments with her two daughters Renda and Renee by her side. JoAnn was born on October 20, 1935, in Jonesboro-Hodge, Louisiana to Elmo and Lola Bourg. After attending Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana as a nursing student, JoAnn began working as a registered nurse in Shreveport, where she met her husband, Gerald Davis Ross. They married in September of 1959 and started a family soon after. Joann and Gerald had their two daughters, Renee and Renda, within 3 years. Although JoAnn took a break from nursing to take care of her girls until they entered school, the neighborhood consulted her about caretaking often, recognizing JoAnn's deep knowledge of, and compassion for, all living things. When JoAnn returned to work, she spent time as a nurse at Willis-Knighton Hospital-North before serving as an Inservice Director at Brentwood Psychiatric Hospital. From there, she was the Director of Nursing at Northwest State School for Developmental Disabilities and ended her career as a home health care nurse. Given her lifelong passion for rescuing and rehabilitating animals, JoAnn also spent several years working in a veterinary clinic. Outside of her time spent at the hospital and home, JoAnn taught clinical nursing courses where she inspired a younger generation of practitioners. JoAnn's commitment to helping others inspired both of her daughters to attend graduate school and become social workers. JoAnn's greatest joy was her grandchildren. Whether 13 minutes away or 13 hours away, she was present for holidays, sports events, theater productions, concerts, mock trial tournaments, graduations, and celebrations. Her love, pride, encouragement, and support were immeasurable. JoAnn is preceded in death by her husband, Gerald David Ross; her parents Elmo and Lola (Meek) Bourg; and younger sister, June (Bourg) Hardesty. Survivors include her loving daughters, Renee Ross Mainous married to Mark Mainous, M.D., Renda Ross, Ph.D., married to Grant Schroeder; her adored grandchildren, Eric Ross Mainous, George Thomas Mainous, Michael John Schroeder, JoAnna Ross Schroeder, and Andrew Rossi Schroeder; her sister, Jacqueline (Bourg) Grasso, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. A memorial service will be officiated by Rev. Ashley Goad, Ph.D. on Sunday, March 6, 2022, 2:00PM, with a gathering following. These events take place at Coach Chapel located on the southside of the main sanctuary at First United Methodist Church, downtown Shreveport, LA., 500 Common Street, 71101. In lieu of flowers, JoAnn's family would appreciate a donation on her behalf to Humane Society of Northwest Louisiana, 2544 Linwood Ave., Shreveport, LA 71103, Resuehsnwla@gmail.com.