Joanne Kenner

Dr. Joanne Kenner Allensworth of Mineral Wells passed away at home on June 14, 2013. Dr. Kenner was born in Abilene, Texas on April 26, 1924 to Claude Kenner, Sr. and Bessie Kirby Kenner. Joanne was the youngest of 12 children and was the last surviving sibling. She attended Hardin-Simmons University and graduated from Southwestern Medical College in Dallas. She did internships at St. Joseph Hospital and Harris Hospital in Ft. Worth and then performed her residency at Women's Hospital in New York City in the 1950s during a time when women doctors were a rarity. Joanne married Dr. John Catlett Allensworth in Mineral Wells in 1955. They were married for 47 years until his death in 2003. She practiced Obstetrics and Gynecology in Mineral Wells for 45 years. Joanne was a talented person on many levels. She was a skilled surgeon, a dedicated medical doctor, an artist, seamstress, and teacher. She was a humble woman who was quick to complement and was humbled by praise. Joanne was a loyal and generous woman who loved the Lord and was always a pillar of strong and unquestionable faith. An article written about Joanne during her time at Women's Hospital said Dr. Kenner used patience, kindness, and tact with her patients and these virtues created miracles! She was always popular with her patients because of the three "Cs", courtesy consideration, and concern. Recently Dr. Kenner and her family donated a ropes course to Southside Church of Christ which has been used by youth groups, MW Chamber of Commerce, MW High School, and countless others for the personal development of the teamwork qualities of leadership, trust, cooperation, communication, planning, and productivity. She also sponsored a Medical Careers Camp for High School students through AHEC to assist students in career choices. The camp was named Kamp Kenner, in her honor and it has sponsored over 200 high school students from Palo Pinto and Denton County schools. I will not ask you not to weep, Only to remember I do not sleep, No pain no sorrow do I now see, I am with God now, Alive and Free She was preceded in death by her husband Dr. John C. Allensworth and her step-daughter, Grace Lynn. She is survived by nieces, nephews Eddie and Nelda Hodges, Cathy and Johnnie Feeler, Connie and Richard Dearman, Cindy and James Little, Mike Kenner, Bruce Kenner, Claudia Ingle, Kenny Kenner, William and Kay Allensworth, Elizabeth and Jim George, John and Sally Allensworth, Robert and Cynthia Allensworth, Bruce and Leslie Allensworth, Roxanne Mast, William B. and Tina Allensworth, Eilene G. Allensworth, and faithful friends Wanda Voelcker, Elaine Snider, Corky Grissom, and Josepine Davis. The family will have a private service to celebrate Joanne on Saturday at her residence. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Kamp Kenner P.O. Box 158 Mineral Wells, TX 76068.