Joann Muhn Kearns

Joann Muhn Kearns died on February 22, 2025, at the age of 84 years old in Houston, Texas. Joann was born in Paris, Texas on December 19, 1940, to Eleanor Ann Muhn (nee Scott) and Richard Thornton Muhn. She was baptized by Rev Sumner. The Muhn family moved to Boulder, Colorado where Richard worked for the University of Colorado. At the age of 5, Joann soon befriended a Saint Bernard that lived at one of the fraternities on campus. Soon after she became their cheeky mascot. In 1944, Joann received the best gift a child could have, her brother Scott Muhn. Joann and her brother Scott often visited their maternal in Grandmother Scott at small green cottage located on the Chautauqua grounds set against the Flatirons. Winters were spent learning to ski. Joann attended the University of Colorado joining Zeta Tau Alpha and obtaining a bachelor’s degree in art in 1963 followed by bachelor’s degree in fine arts in 1964. Soon after, Joann moved to Houston, TX, where she shared an apartment with friend, and later a twin mom herself, Ruth Schulte. On May 11, 1968, Joann Muhn married Thomas Michael Kearns in Boulder, Colorado. Joann and Tom settled in Houston, Texas shortly thereafter. Joann worked at Suniland Furniture as an interior designer while Tom worked as an Architect. Joann gave birth to identical twin daughters on December 7, 1971. Inspired by the book Little Women, Joann named her daughters Amy and Katharine. Amy was named after one of the characters in the book, while Katharine was named after Joann’s favorite actress, Katharine Hepburn who played her namesake Jo in the 1933 movie version of the book. Joann joined the Houston Mother of Twins Club where she met a lifelong friend, and collegue, Margie Sipe.

Joann became an Art Teacher at River Oaks Baptist once Amy and Katharine began school. Joann continued her teaching career eventually joining the staff at Saint Francis de Sales where she worked with Margie Sipe. Joann taught and inspired generations of children to love and appreciate Art. A devoted art teacher, Joann often took her students to Museum of Fine Arts and worked tirelessly to prepare their artwork for the Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show Art Exhibit. As a breast cancer survivor, Joann was inspired to use her gifts by sharing her love of art as a volunteer with Texas Children’s Hospital. She served as a beacon of hope, faith, and a welcome distraction for many children being treated for cancer at that institute. Outside of her life as an art teacher, Joann cared for countless wildlife through Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation Coalition. It was through that organization that she met friend Nancy Philpot and the irascible little rascal Leonard, a yellow-fronted Amazon parrot, that became much loved pet. Joann valued her episcopalian faith throughout her life becoming a long-time member of St. John the Divine. Joann was a

member of the The Order of the Daughters of the King, participated in the Alter Guild, volunteered in the bookstore, and attended church every Sunday. Her lifelong faith was nurtured by her congregation and clergy. Joann cherished the guidance and friendship she received from Reverend Jack DeForrest and Reverend Reagan Cocke.

Joann Kearns is survived by her twin daughters Amy and Katharine Kearns, her sister-in law Jan Muhn, nieces Alisa Rasmussen (nee Muhn) and Cherise Everett (nee Muhn), nephews Richard Muhn, Scott Muhn, and Jefferson Muhn. Joann Kearns is predeceased by her husband Thomas Michael Kearns, younger brother Scott Muhn, and friend Margie Sipe.

A memorial service for Joann Muhn Kearns will take place at Chapel at St. John the Divine at 3:00 PM on Wednesday March 12, 2025. All who knew her are welcome to pay their respects. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that people donate to Texas Children’s Hospital and Houston SPCA Wildlife Center.