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BOLIVAR, Mo. — The Southwest Baptist University family mourns the passing of former SBU First Lady Joann Spurgeon, wife of Harlan E. Spurgeon, who served as SBU President from 1979-1983. Joann passed away Aug. 7 in Ozark at the age of 90.
“As a Bearcat family, we are thankful for Dr. and Mrs. Spurgeon and the significant contributions they have made to SBU and the Bolivar community,” said Dr. Brad Johnson, SBU interim president. “Please be in prayer for the Spurgeon family during this time of loss.”
Prior to serving at SBU, Joann served alongside Harlan during his pastorate at First Baptist Church-Bolivar from 1972-1979. The couple also served as missionaries in Taiwan through the Foreign Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention for 15 years. Joan served as a preschool director and volunteer for numerous churches and philanthropic organizations.
Joann graduated from SBU with an associate’s degree in 1951 and a bachelor’s degree in 1982. She received the Life Service Award from SBU in 1974.
Visitation is at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, at University Heights Baptist Church, Springfield. Funeral is at 11 a.m. at the church, under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.
*Published: 8-13-2021
