Hazel "Joan" Chiles Gist

Hazel “Joan” Chiles Gist passed away on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at the age of 85. She was a native of St. Louis, MO and a longtime resident of the Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf coast, most recently a resident of Metairie. Joan performed many roles in her lifetime, she was a devoted daughter & sister, loving wife, dedicated Mom and Mother-in law, comforting Grandma and inspiring Great-Grandma and Gigi. She helped sustain the family business for many years while maintaining a loving household. She was our inspiration on holidays, making everyone feel special, even total strangers that would arrive with family members. Her open heart and hospitality made everyone feel welcome in her home. She was an avid tennis player and bowler and carried her friendships from those times throughout her life. She was everyone’s favorite aunt, cousin, sister, and friend who made Louisiana and Mississippi a regular destination for family to travel to see her. Joan never met a stranger because she got to know everyone she met and remembered their stories. She has left a big hole in the lives of our family and friends, but to honor her memory and cherish her love we must all help to fill that hole and carry on as best we can. We are now the ones who have to cook the turkey, make the dressing, send the thoughtful birthday, anniversary, and special occasion cards. Someone else will have to slip extra money to the grandkids and great-grandkids, and we all have to help take care of her loving and devoted husband of 63 years, Bill aka Dad, Grandpa, and Pops who was the love of her life. You could always see the sparkle in her eyes when she looked at him or talked about her true love, Bill. Rest in peace Maw, Mom, Momma, Grandma and Gigi. You taught us well and made the world a better place by the way you lived your life. You spent your life devoted to God, your family and friends and we know that you will still be watching over us until the time we are all together again. We love you, we will always miss you and we are grateful for everything you gave us. Joan is survived by her devoted husband Billy W. Gist. Loving mother of Donna Gist Nold (Steve), Dr. Karen Ann Gist and Gary Michael Gist (Sybil). Grandmother of Ryan Nold, Shannon Nold Flynn (Rich), Courtney Bouckaert (Richard), Chelsea Bearden (Matt), Garrett Gist (Katelyn) and Gabrielle Gegenheimer (Jake). Great grandmother of Finley Flynn, Riley Flynn, Camille Bouckaert, Richard W. Bouckaert, Emma Gegenheimer and William Bearden. Daughter of the late Minnie Ann Hicks Chiles and Lymon Chiles. Sister of the late Bonnie Smith, Earl Chiles, Eugene Chiles, Freeman Chiles and Dorothy Spehr. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Service at The Vineyard Church of New Orleans, 4340 Sal Lentini Pkwy., Kenner, LA on Thursday, September 30, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers donations to Feed My People (Missouri or Louisiana) in her name would be appreciated. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.muhleisen.com

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Hazel "Joan" Chiles Gist

February 7, 1936 - September 25, 2021