Joann Stryker Speas, 86, of Charlotte, N.C., and Amelia Island, passed away Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017.
Born May 6, 1930, in Winston-Salem, N.C., she was the loving and beloved daughter of the late Wendell Miles Stryker Sr. and Pauline Ausband Stryker.
She is survived by her son, Christopher Brian Speas of Charlotte, and her brother, Wendell Miles Stryker and his wife, Diane Judith Fenster, of San Francisco.
Joann graduated from Reynolds High School in Winston-Salem. She attended Women's College of the University of North Carolina in Greensboro, where she studied studio art. She lived in Florence, S.C.; Demopolis, Ala.; Atlanta; Charlotte; and Amelia Island at different stages of her life. No matter where she lived, Joann understood the importance of community, made lifelong friends and volunteered with many civic organizations.
Joann had a passion for art, creativity and design. She applied an artist’s eye and a talent for drawing and painting in most every aspect of her life. She was a member of the art staff of two advertising agencies and a draftsman for an architectural firm. She advised on interior and architectural design projects for churches, theaters and private residences. She treasured her experience working with Elizabeth Bruns Inc. and consulting on her son's real estate development projects.
Joann's greatest notoriety and joy in life was as a watercolor artist. Her unique painting style incorporated graphite drawing on textured papers with impressionistic watercolors. Study with internationally acclaimed painters and art instructors not only informed and refined her own work, but also influenced the way she taught art as an instructor herself. She was a member of the Charlotte Watercolor Society and North Carolina Watercolor Society. She illustrated both children's books and religious pastoral publications. Her paintings were exhibited in museums, public spaces and galleries in the United States and internationally, and her works are in many private and corporate collections. While professional recognition was appreciated, for Joann, the most meaningful aspect of her work was in capturing and preserving the spirit of a moment in time, whether it be the beauty of nature, the structure of architecture or the innocence of children.
Traveling and exploring the world and challenging herself and others to experience, observe and find beauty in every moment and place was important to Joann. She was particularly grateful to live in Amelia Island Plantation later in life. Much of her artwork captures the people, beaches, nature and architecture that define this place. While Joann captured the beauty of Amelia Island in her art, the island and its people captured a special place in her heart.
Joann once wrote in her artist statement, "I found ultimate beauty in life in my family, my friends and my art."
A memorial service was held Thursday afternoon, Feb. 2, at Amelia Plantation Chapel. A reception was held in the Fellowship Hall following the service. Interment was a private service for family members.
In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest contributions noted "In memory of Joann Stryker Speas" to The American Watercolor Society Scholarship Program for Art Teachers, 47 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10003 (americanwatercolorsociety.org), or the Amelia Plantation Chapel Music Program, 36 Bowman Road, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 (ameliachapel.com).
Harry & Bryant Funeral Home, Charlotte, N.C.