Joanne Bushman Doxey

1932 ~ 2020

Obituary Photo for Joanne Bushman Doxey < >

Joanne Bushman Doxey, after enduring valiantly to the end with grace and poise, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2020, at the age of 88, while holding her loving husband's hand. She was born in Salt Lake City on April 17, 1932, the daughter of Bliss LeRoi and Eva Murdoch Bushman, as the youngest of five children. She attended East High School and the University of Utah, where she was active in student government. Primarily focused on preparing herself for motherhood, Joanne graduated with a double major in Child Development and Interior Design in 1954 and on June 7 of that year, married her long-time sweetheart, David Watson Doxey.

Children quickly joined the family: five boys in five consecutive years, followed by three girls. Joanne found her greatest joy in teaching and loving her children and extended family. In the busy years of raising children, she developed her many talents, including composing music and poetry. She founded Foothill Publishing in 1968 to publish her music, and ran the business successfully for many years. Her music is beloved by many, and her more than 50 songs include "Where Love Is" and "Seek the Lord Early," published in The Children's Songbook. She never took credit for her artistic achievements; rather, she steadfastly maintained that she was open to inspiration and the Lord allowed it to come through her.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Joanne served in many callings at the local and general church level. She was a national officer of Lambda Delta Sigma, the Church's sorority; she also served on the Primary General Board, as the first Church Building Hosting Director and, from 1984 to 1990, as Second Counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency with Sister Barbara W. Winder. In 1978, she and her husband were called to preside over the Spain Barcelona Mission, and they made it a family affair, taking along their children. This experience proved significant in Joanne's life, as she grew to love Spain's people and history and it paved the way for her future service and study. She later served as Assistant to the Matron of the Salt Lake Temple. In 2002, David and Joanne were again called to serve in Spain, this time as President and Matron of the Madrid Temple.

A lifelong learner, she graduated from Brigham Young University with a Master's Degree in Family Science, with an emphasis in religion, at the age of 61. She loved to research many topics related to religious history and the scriptures. Her posterity, which includes 38 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren, treasures her legacy of always striving to learn more and be better.

Joanne is preceded in death by her parents, Bliss and Eva Bushman, sisters Nadine Barton and Colleen Lemmon, brother Bliss Bushman, her infant son Joseph Doxey and two grandsons, John and Jeffrey Stevens.

Surviving loved ones include her husband, David Doxey; children Dave (Merle) Doxey, Gary (Debbie) Doxey, Steve (Liz) Doxey, Jim (Lark) Doxey, Debbie (Bob) Stevens, Cindy (Rick) Green, and Christie (Kim) Facer; and sister Beverly McCune.

Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, a funeral service will be held for family members only on Monday, November 16, at 11:00 am. It will also be broadcast online through the following link: http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/saltlakemonumentparkstake Event Code: 88970. Please be advised that there will be up to a five-minute buffering delay in the broadcast due to the servers the system uses.

A private graveside service will take place on Tuesday, November 17, at the Salt Lake City Cemetery.

Donations in honor of Joanne's memory may be made to the Humanitarian Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.


Guestbook/Condolences

Dear Brother Doxey and family,
We grieve Joanne's passing along with you. What a sweet lady she always was! She was ready to offer kind, encouraging words whenever she visited our home to craft a new song with our mom, Marge, and deferred taking sole credit for any of their collaborations. Her gentleness was a blessing to all. How grateful we are for her influence and goodness, carrying the Doxey-Castleton-Kjar friendship for four-plus generations. Thank you for sharing her with our family. We pray for your family. With love, Debbie and Dean


- Debbie & Dean Carver

I was saddened to see of the passing of Sister Doxey. We worked together on some projects when I was employed by the Church in Audio Visual. She is a great lady and will be missed. My love and sincerest condolences.

Orval Fox Jr
Former Employee of LDSAV


- Orval Fox

Dear Joanne, what a pleasure it was to walk with you for awhile, feel your great spirituality, talents, and love for our students in Lambda Delta Sigma and Sigma Gamma Chi. We did good, thank you. Ryck


- Ryck Luthi

Dear Doxey Family, We are saddened by the passing of dear Joanne. I know Marj and Morrie were anxious to greet her. Marj probably has plenty of songs waiting for Joanne's touch to make them just right. I can see the two of them collaborating already. We will forever be grateful for the kindness, love, and selflessness of both Dave and Joanne to our family. Joanne was so kind to visit Mom at the assisted living center and it always made Mom cry when Joanne left. Marj loved Joanne like a sister. They were quite a pair together and they still are. We can't thank your family enough for being so faithful and dear to our parents over a lifetime of friendship. May God bless your family and especially dear David with many tender mercies as you pass through this difficult period. We know Joanne's testimony was a gift expressed through her many songs just as Marj's testimony came through her fingers at the piano. Our gratitude goes out to you forever and ever. Much Love, Joe & Anne Kjar


- Joe & Anne Kjar

To Gary, Debbie and Family,

Please know of my sincere condolences to you and all of the Doxey - Bushman families. Reading about Joanne's life, family and service was inspiring. Having served in a neighboring mission in Spain, with one year overlapping when your parents served in Barcelona, I often heard of President and Sister Doxey and how much the missionaries and members loved them.

May the Lord's peace and strength be felt by all.

Very sincerely,

Sherie Rogde


- Sherie Rogde

Dear Brother Doxey and family,
We grieve Joanne's passing along with you. What a sweet lady she always was! She was ready to offer kind, encouraging words whenever she visited our home to craft a new song with our mom, Marge, and deferred taking sole credit for any of their collaborations. Her gentleness was a blessing to all. How grateful we are for her influence and goodness, carrying the Doxey-Castleton-Kjar friendship for four-plus generations. Thank you for sharing her with our family. We pray for your family. With love, Debbie and Dean


- Debbie & Dean Carver

I was sorry to read about your dear wife I will miss her. I know how you feel. I send my love to you and yours Elaine Horrocks


- Elaine Horrocks

David,
Our deepest condolences to you and your family at this time. Joanne was an extraordinary person in everything she did. Her sweet smile always made you feel special. We have so many fun memories of getting together at family gatherings and reunions.
Wishing you peace and comfort.
Joel and Jeannine Pratt & family


- Joel and Jeannine Pratt and family

To Gary / Debbie, Steve / Liz and Debbie /Bob. I was sorry to hear about the passing of your beautiful mother. I only met her a few times but could tell she was a choice lady. During this trying time it makes one reflect and grateful for the gospel and knowledge of before and afterlife but especially the faith we will see and be with our loved ones again. I still have fond memories and our times at B.Y.U. May prayers and faith be of comfort to you all.


- Ann Willey

So loved the forty years or so that I knew your mom in the ward! My sister, Sue, was on the General Board with her.I will never forget, as a young mother, she advised me, "Just focus on your children and Church will be your place where you learn, serve, and form friendships. That is all you need!" It was a pattern of simplifying life that was very helpful to me. I was running off in all directions at once, so it was good counsel. I admired her scholarship and interest in learning and studying the Gospel, but she balanced that with teaching and serving others. I will miss her comments in Church classes, and her gentle encouragement when we met in the hallways, but I feel strongly she is happy, safe, and excited about all the possibilities of her new stage of life. Love you all... Becky


- Becky Johns

Joanne was a special lady. I'm Roger Brown's wife whose mother was Dorothy Murdock Brown.
Whenever I had the opportunity to be around Joanne, she was always so sweet & kind to me. I loved the songs she wrote, especially "Where Love Is". She was, and still is, a talented & elect lady. My prayers go out to you, Brother Doxey, and your family.
Grateful for our Savior and the knowledge that families can be together forever!
With love, Sue Brown


- Sue Brown

David I send my sincere condolences for the loss of your lovely wife. She was a very nice woman. I hope you are OK through these difficult times.


- Paul Grant

Presidente Doxey. Mi más sentido pésame por la irreparable pérdida de su amada esposa. Un gran abrazo


- Fabiola Casanova

Dear President Doxey, we love you and we pray to the Lord for His blessings of peace upon you and your family. We are grateful for serve with you at the Madrid Spain Temple.

May the Lord bless you. Families are forever.

With all our love,

Elisa, Ángel, Adán & Beatriz Mei.


- Ángel José Gómez García

Dear Dave and beautiful family, so sorry for your loss, my friend and a woman I've long admired since I first met her in my Monument Park 8th Ward. (Years later your brother, Graham W. Doxey from my home ward became bishop in our University 2nd Ward until my husband Jim Wiseman was electrocuted 4/27/64 & died 5/7/64--and it was he who suggested I serve a mission, which I did in Scotland.) Anyway years later after teaching at the Mission Home a couple of years, I became an advisor for Lambda Delta Sigma at LDS Business College. A while later, I was called by the Relief Society General Board to be the "Social Director Over the Western U.S. Lambda Delta Sigma Chapters." Joanne was then a counselor to The General R.S. President, Barbara Winder. We had some fabulous times together! What a talented wife and mother you have! I'll miss Joanne and will be remembering you all in my prayers that your hearts will be comforted at this difficult time. Love, Nadine Nelson Allen & Family.


- Nadine Nelson Allen

Queridos Doxey.
Les mando mis condolencias por la muerte de la hermana Doxey. La he querido y admirado mucho, he aprendido muchas cosas de ella y la he respetado con todo mi corazón. Las personas como ella tienen una fortuna en sus manos, el cariño de muchos.
Espero que pronto encuentren el alivio en su dolor y sean capaces de sólo recordar las cosas bellas de la vida.
Atentamente.


- Margarita Díaz Lara

I want the family to know how much I loved serving in the mission office with the Doxeys in Barcelona. I was the records secretary for 6 months and what I loved the most was studying scriptures with the Doxey family every morning in the mission home. I have such pleasant memories of meeting with the other missionaries and the family and studying the scriptures together. Thanks for the memories!


- Barney T Olsen

So sad to hear of Sister Doxey's passing. Truly a gifted and spiritual leader who welcomed everyone into her family circle. We cherish the two years we spent together in Madrid Spain where she has a profound impact on our lives. We extend our sympathies to President Doxey and the entire family. We love you all.

Steve and Pat Boyden
.


- Stephen and Patricia Boyden

Our deepest sympathies to David and Joanne's family. We loved having Joanne as our neighbor. She was a wonderful, loving person and made us feel so welcome. She will be much missed.


- Arul and Himanshu Mishra

We will miss the warm, warm greetings of Sister Doxey when the Madrid missionaries gathered for a reunion. We know she will be serving others as always, but we cannot be among them at this point. May her family, especially Elder Doxey, be comforted as she leaves him to carry on in this moral sphere. And we will forever think of her when we hear Primary children singing, "Where Love Is" and "Seek the Lord Early." Bless her for that legacy she left to us.


- evelyn & lyman moody

My deepest condolences to President Doxey and his wonderful family. I have such warm memories of Hermana Doxey and her kind example to me and all of the missionaries in Barcelona. I'm grateful for her service and strength. May you all be blessed with the peace our Savior promises at this short time of separation. With love, Dan Checketts


- Dan Checketts

Dear Dave and Family - Don and I send our love and sympathy at this tender time. The funeral was beautiful and so inspiring. Your outstanding family is a wonderful tribute to you and Joanne. Joanne lived the gospel with dignity, faithfulness and a great love. Her great example has been a blessing in my life.
May the Lord bless you all. Our love - The Ostlers


- Barbara Ostler

Dear Doxey Family,
I am so sorry to hear the passing of Sister Doxey. She is a great example of love and kindness. I know her influence will be felt beyond the grave as we sing and enjoy her beautiful songs. You gave her a wonderful tribute COVID-19 style. I am sure she was smiling.


- B.J. Fullmer

We appreciate the privilege of knowing Joanne and the blessing she was in our lives. She was the epitome of a servant leader and was a true disciple and friend of Christ. And as the Savior, she went about doing good.

Brent enjoyed being a neighbor when he was still living at home and interacting with her on occasion when he came back to visit the Monument Park 13th (now the Indian Hills) Ward. Karen was fortunate to rub shoulders with Joanne when she served in the General Relief Society Presidency and Karen worked at the Relief Society Building. We are both better people for having known her.

May the Lord bless you during this transitional time,

Brent and Karen Bartholomew


- Brent and Karen Bartholomew

Dear President Doxey,

My heartfelt condolences on your loss. Sister Doxey was such a cheerful, bright person and will be missed. I wish I had known about the last mission reunion and been able to see her before she passed. May the Lord bring you comfort and peace.


- Elaine Hansen Barton

Nuestro más sentido pésame, que Nuestro Padre Celestial bendiga a su familia, en tan tristes momentos, un abrazo.


- Willan Pedro Guarachi Jimenez

Dear Doxeys - Please accept my sympathy for the passing of your mom and wife. She was always so kind and friendly to me. I really admired that. I think that Elder Ballard’s praise for her at the funeral yesterday was spot on. I still recall one time when she complimented me on my good manners when I was at the house on Roxbury - it was a small thing but made me feel like a million bucks. To my dear pals Steve, Jim and Gary, I wish I could put my arms around your shoulders and shed a tear with you for your Mom. May you have peace and comfort in the days to come. Reed


- Reed Stringham

Chyleen and I send our sincere condolences to Pres. Doxey and the family on the passing of our dear friend and mentor while serving with you in the Spain Madrid Temple. You were both great examples to us of a relationship that was the epitome of an ideal partnership. She impacted our lives and the loves of the missionary couples in the Spain, Madrid temple. Foremost in our minds are the kindness, faithfulness and devotion which she made the core of her life work.. We loved her deeply..


- Lothaire and Chyleen Bluth

We send our sincere condolences to each of you in the Doxey Family. We were saddened to hear of Joanne’s passing—and yet relieved for her, knowing that the last part of her earthly journey was challenging. She was a beautiful, accomplished, kind and good woman. We think fondly of the years we interacted with her and with your family, sharing joint family celebrations of many happy events. She will be missed by all. For those who participated in her funeral service, “thank you” for the lovely, tender words and music. Such a special tribute surely must have pleased Joanne’s spirit, especially in seeing how each of you were the fruition of her maternal love, teachings, and example.


- LaRetta and Walter Arabasz

We have known and loved Joanne for many, many years, along with her husband who is such a good man. She has been outstanding not only in talents and leadership, but also with warmth and friendliness for a wide range of people. Joanne, we will miss you.


- Sandra & Don Allen

“Where Love Is” touches me so much. I played it on the piano today and thought about the words. With technology at our hands, I wanted to tell Joanne thank you! She brought heaven’s truths to earth and keeps touching our life. Thank you Joanne and Norma B. Smith, Marjorie Castleton for your efforts. Clearly this song was written to play for the new pianists and truths shared for all of us to remember to love.


- Vicki Gerlach