Joan (McPherson) Masaniai of Mt. Vernon, granddaughter of John and Addie Bean, died Nov. 9, 2005, at the age of 75.

Mrs. Masaniai was born Aug. 4, 1930, in Mt. Vernon, graduated from Wayne City Community High School class of 1948 and moved to the San Francisco Bay area in 1960 and married in 1962.

Before moving to California, she worked for Wayne County.

In San Francisco, she worked in the steamship business for many years and traveled to Stockholm, Rotterdam, London, Honolulu and beyond. During tumultuous times, Mrs. Masaniai traveled to Jerusalem, Damascus and Jordan to walk in the footsteps of our Savior. She held fast to the teachings of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew and fulfilled his instruction.

Mrs. Masaniai was an active member of First Southern Baptist Church of San Mateo, Calif., which became Western Hills Baptist Church, where she served in leadership positions and sang in the choir. She moved her membership to Logan Street Baptist Church when she returned to Illinois after 38 years.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Marie McPherson.

She is survived by her only child, daughter Melodi D. Masaniai, 40, of Sunnyvale, Calif.

A burial service will be held 1 p.m. Thursday at East Hickory Hill Cemetery in Bluford, with the Rev. Everett Lemay officiating. Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon is in charge of arrangements, where you may call 242-3348 for further information.

Source: Register-News
Date: November 15, 2005
Submitted by: Robert W. Loman