Joanne Shreve Kuster

Joanne Shreve Kuster, age 96, died peacefully in her sleep on July 2, 2024.

Joanne was born December 25, 1927 in Lancaster, PA to James and Anna Shreve. She grew up with her three sisters, Nancy, Betty, and Kitty and her brother, James. Her life spanned the Great Depression and World War II.  Their home was always open to those in need.

She attended Philadelphia Conservatory where she studied church music. Music played a huge role in her life as she made a career in music ministry, directing choirs and playing both organ and piano for churches all over the northeast. She taught many, many students to play piano. And most recently she accompanied the Sounds of Joy choir of Dalton, GA and played special offertories at First United Methodist Church, also in Dalton.

Joanne was the proud and supportive wife to the Reverend Herman Lloyd Kuster, Jr. for 49 years. Having both experienced heartache of their own, they found love with each other and built a family. Joanne lovingly served alongside Herman to all the congregations of the Methodist churches where he was appointed.

Joanne was a loyal friend to many. She always enjoyed talking to friends on the phone and corresponding with them by mail as well as hosting them for meals or visits or parties in her home. Having lived in many different places, she had friends from all over.

Joanne was a devout Christian, a faithful Methodist. She did not miss a day of devotions or fail to pray, lifting up the needs of her family, friends, and the nation. She attended church every Sunday as long as she was able and when she could not physically attend anymore, she watched online. She invited those she met in the community to her church, which she loved.

If you knew Joanne, you know she enjoyed quilting. This hobby started years ago with machine quilting and grew to be a labor of hand-quilted love for many family, friends, and paying customers. She enjoyed playing many board games and card games, especially Rack-O and Quiddler. She also enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and acrostic word puzzles, which she solved daily. She was an enthusiastic reader as well as an avid Philadelphia Eagles football fan.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, her three sisters, her husband, Herman Kuster, and her daughter-in-law, Holly Kuster. She is survived by her sons John McCarthy (Trish) and Lynn Kuster and her daughters Darla Munn (Gary) and Kristin Moran (Michael). She is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and their spouses.

Arrangements are being made with Love Funeral Home for a Celebration of her life at Dalton First United Methodist Church on August 10, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, the family would humbly appreciate that memorial gifts be given to Dalton First United Methodist Church, or to the Acts 1:8 ministry, of which Joanne was a devoted supporter.*

*(Acts 1:8 Ministry, P.O. Box 618, Cedartown GA 30125; please make checks payable to Acts 1:8 Ministries and indicate 'Jerry Ministry Funds.')