I’ve had the honor of being friends and a co-worker of Joan for over 38 years, something I will always be grateful for. She and her husband Tim made a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of meeting and getting to know them. When I first met Joan, she was working alongside Tim in his Chapter13 Trustee office. Joan always met challenges and opportunities with a determination to do the best job in a caring and compassionate manner. Joan was instrumental in creating and developing a program for debtors to help them to be financially independent and thrive after Chapter 13. Working with other Trustees around the country, Joan helped develop a debtor education program to teach debtors the basics in financial planning and strategies to succeed financially. She helped debtors re-establish their credit after their case was over. She wanted to give them the tools to succeed going forward. Joan was also instrumental in developing and organizing an educational program for attorneys and their staff. The resulting DFW Seminar is still held annually.
What I will miss most about Joan is her presence and how she made space for others. Joan had a way of lighting up a room with her smile and warm welcome. She loved and cared for others without judgment and genuinely listened when someone needed to be heard. Her kindness stayed with you long past the moment. She taught us all how it looks to love well by how she lived. Being her friend has been a blessing and a gift. Patty Purcell, Operations Manager for Chapter 13 Standing Trustee Tim Truman
Joan was the person who lit up the room with her beautiful smile. When you were with Joan, you felt her love and kindness. My favorite memory of Joan was in New Orleans at the NACTT Mid-Year Meeting. All the Texas Trustees had dinner together and I got to sit next to Joan. Joan managed to keep me completely entertained. We laughed and laughed and I felt so lucky to have spent that time with her. I also cannot think about Joan without thinking about Tim. I have never met a couple who seemed to be so in sync with each other and happy together. I will miss her and her beautiful smile. Carey Ebert, Trustee
I met Joan after Tim became a Chapter 13 Trustee. He and Joan and Tim’s assistant, Gina, started the Trusteeship in their basement. Joan was an integral part of the Trusteeship for many years and helped train baby lawyers.
Joan loved her daughters, her grandchildren, tea in the morning, and good wine. She spoke French fluently and loved to visit Paris.
At NACTT Seminars and Mid-Winter meetings, Joan welcomed newcomers. She was a favorite among the Texas Trustees and their spouses. We enjoyed her smile and kind personality. She was the only person I know who was nicer than Tim.
We miss her. Tom Powers, Trustee
To me, the mere mention of Joan’s name evokes the epitome of the genteel southern woman. She was always kind, smiling, joyful, smart, and stalwart! Joan had a zest for life that could neither be hidden from nor unshared with all those she encountered. Over the years, watching she and Tim always dancing together every time possible only showed us all that true love exists, and they were blessed enough to find it together! I have been honored to call her my friend for over 30 years. I have also been blessed to have learned from her how to conduct serious business involving other’s lives with a smile, compassion, and grit! She will be dearly missed! Kathy Davis, Trustee
Tim and Joan Truman are two of the finest people it has been my good fortune to know. Both have added so much to Chapter 13 practice, both locally and nationally. Joan was instrumental in developing and supporting many programs but never drew attention to her contributions. She did things because they were the right things to do. Joan was always warm and friendly and generous with her time. She had a wonderful laugh. A true lady. She will be missed very much. Pam Bassel, Trustee
