JoAnn Murders, age 82, entered into rest on Wednesday, June 29, 2022.
JoAnn was born in 1939 in Sugarland, Texas to the late Martin and Helen Bach. During WWII she and her mother went to Marshalltown, Iowa where her father served in the Army for several years. She married Herman D. Murders in 1959. They spent over 20 years being a proud military family. She loved living in Germany for over 5 years. They were able to travel many places in Europe.
They were stationed at Ft. Leonard, MO for several years, where she worked for their credit union as a bookkeeper. While in MO she served as an officer in the O.E.S and again in Houston, TX. She was an instructor for beginner bowlers while they were in MO. During the Vietnam War years, she and her children went home to Houston.
After the war years they were stationed at Ft. Gordon in Augusta, GA while working as a state employee on MCG campus she learned they were wanting to start a credit union for MCG employees and students. She immediately asked to speak with committee members who were involved in this project because of her experience with credit union in MO and her understanding of how important a benefit it would be to employees and their families. She was hired immediately. When they opened in 1976, she signed up over 500 members in the first three days. She left her job with Dept. of Administration Services to become the first manager of Health Center Credit Union. The credit union only offered savings accounts and loans up to $249. All transactions were manually processed on ledger cards. After posting dividends manually the board agreed to purchase computer equipment. Joann served HCCV for 11 years. During that time, she was involved in many extra activities, including Sertoma Club, the first Osmond family telethon which raised money for the Children’s Hospital assisted ACABAR with job training. When she left the credit union for a full-service financial institution with a branch in Columbia County with a staff of twelve.
In 1987 JoAnn was offered the position as manager for Clark Community Federal Credit Union. One visit to Athens and she knew it would be home for a long time. She and her children made the move to Athens. She took the job knowing it really would be a major challenge to make this credit union what it should be. She loved every minute of it and was very successful in accomplishing the goals that were set.
While in Athens she was able to do more volunteer work.
She now quickly asked to work with project safe. She put in hundred of hours manning the hotline at night, then serving as a board member and board president in its early stages.
She also became a foster parent which she loved and continued for nearly 30 years. She retired in 2003 and was very proud of the work and services she provided to the credit union. Nearly all major employees were offering payroll deduction for their employees. The credit union was full service including mortgages and a new building with drive thru services.
In addition to parents, she was preceded in death by her ex-husband, Herman David Murders and grandson, AJ Harris.
Survivors include her favorite brother, Rodney Bach and Sharon of Hillsville, TX; youngest son, Tanner J. Murders, Commerce; son, Larry D. Murders, SC; daughter, Shelly Harris, Commerce, and Stephanie (Jim) Purvis, Carnesville. Grandchildren, Hannah Purvis, Owen Purvis, Maegan Acuna, and Stacy Austin; and nine great-grandchildren.
Memorial service will be held 11 am Friday, July 8, 2022 at Ivie Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Chad Rising officiating. The family will receive friends 10 am until the funeral hour Friday at the funeral home. Burial will take place at a later date at Blacks Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Blacks Creek Baptist Church, 3754 Blacks Creek Ch. Rd., Commerce, GA 30530.
Arrangements are in the care of Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, GA.
