Joe Anne Berwick passed away on May 3, 2021 at the age of 97. She was born in Houston, Texas to Florence Tompkins and Joseph Arnold Berwick on December 9, 1923.
She was a life-long resident of the Houston community, where she received her entire education. She was member of St. Philip Presbyterian Church.
After graduating from Lamar High School, she chose to attend Rice University pursuing her interests in biology and chemistry. She excelled in her studies there and was elected to membership in the science honor society Sigma Xi.
Upon graduating in 1944, she accepted a job at Shell Oil Corporation as a chemist. She felt a need to make a contribution to the war effort at that time. She was employed there for over 40 years and retired in 1984.
She had a great love for animals and music. During her retirement years she volunteered at the Houston Zoo, working with the bird exhibits. After moving to Belmont Village, she joined two music groups, in which she played her ukulele – Sugar Sticks and West University Swinging Strings.
In 1974 when Rice Shepherd School of Music was founded, she became an ardent supporter, subsequently creating a scholarship fund there in her name. Many recipients have written her over the years expressing their appreciation.
She is survived by her sister Joyce McCray of Nashua, NH; her two nephews Robert and Scott McCray, and her niece Maria McCray – all of Los Angeles, CA, and her cousin Joe Berwick of Houston.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 10, 2021, at 10:30am, at Bradshaw-Carter Funeral Home, 1734 West Alabama followed by burial at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.