Jo Ann Wray Fish

JoAnn Wray Fish, 95, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2026. Born on January 6, 1931, JoAnn lived a long life marked by faith, strength, creativity, and devotion to her family.

JoAnn was the longest living member of First Presbyterian Church, faithfully serving and worshiping there for more than 70 years. Her church family was an important part of her life, and her steadfast faith guided her through every season.

A strong and determined woman, JoAnn was never afraid to speak her mind or take charge. She carried herself with confidence and independence throughout her life. In her later years, however, she gracefully allowed her family to care for her, giving them the opportunity to lovingly return the same strength and guidance she had always given to others.

JoAnn earned her bachelor's degree from Southwestern Louisiana Institute, now known as the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She dedicated more than 30 years to teaching at SOWELA Technical Community College, where she taught nutrition in the practical nursing program.

Outside of her profession, JoAnn was an extraordinarily talented needle artist. Rug hooking, china painting, smocking, sewing-whatever creative hobby she pursued, she mastered with excellence. She was active in numerous organizations devoted to the needle arts and found tremendous joy in creating beautiful works with her hands.

For nearly the last decade of her life, JoAnn made her home at Villa Maria Retirement Center, where she was dearly loved by residents, staff, caregivers, and friends alike.

She is survived by her daughter, Daphne Danahay (Mike); grandchildren, Kate Robinson (Craig), Mary Lafargue (Casey), Gail Fish (Wendell Pereira), and Jill Fish (Brad Crisafulli); and her great-grandchildren, Alice and Ben Robinson, Landon, Bryce and Brayden Lafargue, and Felix Pereira.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Fish, and her son, Alan Fish.

A funeral service for JoAnn will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 2:00 PM, at Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. and continue until the start of the service. A private burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the residents and staff of Villa Maria Retirement Center, especially Becky See, as well as Brighton Bridge Hospice. Special appreciation is also given to her devoted caregivers, Tasha, Katrina, Deadra, and Courtney, for the love and compassion they showed JoAnn throughout her final years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Villa Maria Retirement Center of Lake Charles or to First Presbyterian Church of Lake Charles.