Margaret Joanna Lee age 81 of Nixa entered the gates of Heaven, June 29, 2022. She was regarded by all who knew her as a loyal friend and strong Christian. Joanna had an infectious laugh that brought a smile to everyone who heard it. Joanna was an only child, born in Kirksville, Missouri on December 12, 1940, to Dr. Louis F. and Sarah Lucille (Leach) Gough. Growing up, she attended a different school for every grade, except for her high school years. Because of this, Joanna had the ability to make friends quickly and easily, and she never knew a stranger. She attended Anderson College in Anderson, Indiana where she met the love of her life, James Lee. They were married on August 5, 1961, and Joanna then worked as a medical transcriptionist to help put Jim through Dental School. Joanna and Jim moved to Springfield, Missouri in 1967 to establish Jim's practice and raise a family. She was a stay-at-home mom until her daughters were well up into school and proudly became a legal secretary for the law offices of Wampler, Wampler, and Catt. She later switched to work closely with her husband as his receptionist until the time of his retirement.

Joanna was an active member in her church, which is now known as Restoration. She had a beautiful voice that she used to praise God by singing in her church choir, worship team and as a soloist. She is now singing is the greatest choir of all.

Joanna was a wonderful wife, loving mother, and proud grandmother and great-grandmother.

Joanna was preceded in death by her parents and husband. She is survived by her daughter Debbie Smith and her husband, Scott Smith; daughter Jana Buffington and her husband, Jason Buffington; grandson, Brandon Smith and his wife McKenzie Smith; grandson, Tyler Smith and his girlfriend Danielle Destifanes; granddaughter, Lauren Buffington; great granddaughter, Hadley Smith; great grandson, Fischer Smith.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Castlewood Assisted living, in Nixa, Missouri, for taking such great care of her for the past four years. They would also like to thank the medical team at Mercy Hospital for the compassionate care she received the last week of her life.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 7, 2022, at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home from 12:00 – 1:00 P.M. with the funeral immediately following at 1:00 P.M. with the Reverend Dani Helm officiating. Burial will be in Greenlawn North Cemetery, Springfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.