In Loving Memory of Joan Lea Pankey-White March 25, 1943 – April 30, 2025 Joan Lea Pankey-White, a proud Texan, devoted wife, determined professional, and strong-willed matriarch, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas. She was 82 years old. Born on March 25, 1943, in Fort Worth to Elmer Pankey and Maddie Evelyn Blackwell-Pankey, Joan was raised as the only child of a home defined by hard work, stability, and tradition. Her father, a man of steadfast character and tireless labor, and her mother, a gentle and kind presence, laid a foundation that helped shape Joan's enduring strength and independent spirit. She was raised in the Methodist Church, where she developed a sense of structure and reverence that she carried throughout her life. Joan graduated from Castleberry High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree—an impressive accomplishment for a woman of her time, and one she took great pride in. She entered the world of real estate with natural drive and keen instincts. She was passionate about the industry, building a lifetime of experience buying and selling property across the state of Texas. For Joan, real estate was more than a career; it was a world of possibilities, a source of intellectual stimulation, and a space where her sense of independence could thrive. In 1976, a chance encounter at a church thrift store at Saint Timothy's Episcopal Church brought Joan together with Justus White. Their connection was immediate and meaningful. After two years of courtship, they were married on November 10, 1978. Following their marriage, Joan chose to convert to the Orthodox Christian faith, embracing Justus's tradition with thoughtful consideration. Together, they welcomed their daughter Heather, who would become a central figure in Joan's life. While their relationship, like many, had its challenges, particularly due to Joan's candid nature and sometimes lack of tact, there was always a thread of commitment and care beneath it all. Joan was a complex woman—fiercely intelligent, deeply independent, and rarely one to mince words. She valued structure and reason, and often expressed her views plainly, which could be difficult for those closest to her at times. Yet even through difficult seasons, she remained invested in her family's life and wellbeing in her own steadfast way. Joan had a love of beauty and rhythm—she played the piano with poise and joy, often turning to music as a familiar comfort. She also enjoyed ballroom dancing, an expression of the grace and style she carried through much of her life. And well into her later years, she never lost her enthusiasm for touring new homes and engaging with the ever-evolving world of real estate. She approached life with curiosity, pragmatism, and a sharp mind that remained active throughout her days. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Maddie Evelyn Pankey. She is survived by her devoted husband of 46 years, Justus White; her daughter, Heather McNett, and son-in-law Jason McNett; and her three beloved grandchildren—Maya, Jason Jr., and Monte—who each carry forward aspects of her wit, willpower, and spirit. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery in Fort Worth, Texas. Friends and family are invited to gather in remembrance of Joan's life—a life marked by intellect, independence, and determination. Joan Lea Pankey-White was not a woman easily defined. She lived according to her own terms, and she faced life with honesty and resolve. Though not always easy, her presence was never forgettable, and her legacy is one of perseverance, purpose, and authenticity. She will be remembered with both respect and reflection by those who knew her best.