Joan Cochran Hess was born Nov. 5, 1936, in Shreveport, to James (Bubba) and Joanna Cochran. The family later moved to Westlake, where Joan resided for the remainder of her life. She passed away Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024.
Joan graduated from Westlake High School in 1954, where she was the valedictorian of her class. She then attended Northwestern University. Shortly afterwards, she met Bill at Westlake United Methodist Church as he was leaving for the Air Force. After a brief long-distance relationship, they were married Dec. 20, 1954. Joan moved to Biloxi, Miss. with Bill until he completed his tour in April of 1957. They then moved back to Westlake, and Joan went to work as a legal secretary for the Camp, Carmouche and Palmer law firm. In 1959, Mark was born, and was such a joy and blessing to both. Joan remained at the law firm for a total of 20 years before spending the following 21 years at the Conoco Refinery, where she worked until her retirement in 1995.
Joan was a life-long member of the Methodist Church, attending Westlake Methodist Church for many years, before becoming a member of First United Methodist Church of Lake Charles. She and Bill were active members of the Fellowship Sunday School Class and volunteered in many capacities.
Joan enjoyed a full life, and she especially enjoyed traveling with Bill. Although they traveled to many places both in and out of the country, their favorite place was Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where they traveled for decades. When at home, Joan was usually enjoying her passion for cooking and hosting dinner and holiday parties. They both enjoyed entertaining in their home and were blessed with many friends and family members that regularly attended their celebrations. They also enjoyed spending time with their grandsons, Ryan and Lance, whom they often took on exciting summer vacations.
Joan is survived by one son, Mark Hess (Phyllis); two grandsons, Ryan Hess (Kallie) and Lance (John Louis); one great-granddaughter, Adalynn Kay Hess and one great-grandson Wyatt Scott Hess; brother, Kenny Cochran (Delorus); sister-in-law, Janette Cochran; and brother-in-law Hunter Hess (Dolores); and many nieces and nephews. In addition, Joan was blessed with many close friends who have remained supportive to the end.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of almost 68 years, William “Bill” Hess; her brother, James Cochran; sister-in-law, Carolyn Hess; and brothers-in-law, Ben Hess and Jim Hess.
The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Stonebridge Place, where Joan was a resident for the last couple of years. Their loving and compassionate care for Joan up until the very end is very much appreciated.
The family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 24, at First United Methodist Church, 812 Kirkman St, Lake Charles. Rev. Weldon Bares will be officiating.
Arrangements are being handled by Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 1810 W. Fourth St., DeQuincy.
(Paid Memorial)
