Joan Verra Bauer

Joan Verra Carter Bauer passed away on April 24, 2023 in Smithville, Texas. She was born to Charles and Verra Carter on January 25, 1931 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. She grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas. She graduated from Incarnate Word Academy, and attended Del Mar College and the University of Houston. She lived most of her adult life in Houston, Texas, and her last few years in Bastrop and Smithville, Texas. Late in 1950, Joan met the love of her life, Bill Bauer. They married a few months later, in April 1951. They enjoyed 66 years together until Bill’s death in 2017. Raising their family of three children, they taught them their core shared values of faith, hope, and love, as well as respect for learning, for our common humanity, and to strive for goals in life. Bill and Joan enjoyed travel, both with and without the kids! Joan made sure the family was always together for their evening meal, always said prayers before bed, and always had the loving safety net of home, no matter what troubles might arise. She and Bill were active members of St.Cecilia’s parish in Houston for 59 years. Joan was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. Her smile lit up the room. She treasured family time and delighted in simple pleasures. Walks on the beach looking for shells and sharks teeth. Hunting for Easter eggs. Dancing at weddings. Watching fireworks. Hiding a special bell in the Christmas tree. Working crossword puzzles with Bill. Reading detective novels. Writing old-fashioned letters to family and friends. She was interested in journalism, and was very proud of having worked at the Corpus Christi Caller-Times in her early years. Joan was a woman of many layers. Gentle yet playful, curious yet content, strong yet sensitive, grounded in faith and devoted to her family. Joan was preceded in death by her husband William Joseph Bauer; son Robert Charles Bauer; parents Charles Elbert Carter and Verra Marie Gunn Carter; brothers William Carter and John Carter; sister Charlene Tagliabue and husband Emil; sister Carolyn Boykin and husband Fred; sister-in-law Peggy Carter; sister-in-law Joan Coffey and husband Jesse; and niece Michele Tagliabue. Joan is survived by daughter Barbara Barrett (husband Michael); daughter Cathy Horecka (husband Michael); daughter-in-law Paula Bauer; grandchildren Katie Bares (husband Jared), Kevin Horecka (wife Nipuni), Nikki Bullock (husband Kyle), Kacey Buckallew (husband Nik), Shellie Hurd (husband David), Joni Bauer; great-grandchildren Logan Bares, Zachary Bares, Maria Bares, Robyn Bullock, Seth Bullock, David Hurd, Heidi Hurd; sisters-in-law Shirley Carter and Jane Carter; and many nieces and nephews. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at 10:30 AM at St. Cecilia Catholic Church at 11720 Joan of Arc, Houston Texas 77024. Interment services will follow at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery 12800 Westheimer Rd, Houston, Texas 77077. Visit www.DettlingFuneral.com to read more and leave words of condolence for the family. The family would like to thank the staff of Towers Nursing Home and Divinity Hospice for their care in her final two years. Those who wish to make a memorial donation in her name are encouraged to select a charity that helps families and children in need, or to a charity that fights dementia, such as Alzheimer’s Association.

Joan Verra Bauer

January 25, 1931 - April 24, 2023