Obituary

JoAnn Knight Van Muylem

December 24, 1950 - December 16, 2024

On Monday, December 16, 2024, just eight days shy of her 74th birthday, JoAnn Knight Van Muylem passed away peacefully at her home in Santa Rosa, California, surrounded by her children and husband. JoAnn was a cherished wife, mother, sister, and friend, known for her kindness, humor, and unwavering love for those around her.

A service celebrating JoAnn's extraordinary life will be held in Baton Rouge, at Rabenhorst Funeral Home on Saturday, January 11th, 2025, (825 Government Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802), from 12 PM to 4 PM, where her memory, laughter, and love will be honored by those lucky enough to have known her. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor JoAnn's spirit by making donations to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in her name.

She was born on December 24, 1950, in Franklinton, Louisiana, to Iva Jane Knight and Joseph Meadie Knight Sr. She was the second youngest of five children—Margaret "Tootsie," William "Bubby," Joseph "Joey," and Marilyn "Mell" Knight—and grew up with a deep appreciation for family, adventure, and the beauty of life.

She often shared vivid stories of growing up in the countryside of Louisiana with her siblings and friends, recounting adventures like roller skating, swimming in the gravel pit, and chasing mosquito trucks. Retelling these tales to her children and siblings always brought laughter, as they delighted in reliving her spirited youth.

As a young girl, JoAnn worked behind the cash register in her "daddy's store", developing a strong work ethic and a natural talent for connecting with others. She loved exploration, spending countless hours outdoors, attending the Franklinton Fair, and enjoying life to the fullest in a small country town with limited adult supervision. Her love of music blossomed during the Beatles craze, and she adored English mod music, art, and fashion. She often told her children stories about her high school car nicknamed "Frog" for the way it jumped.

After graduating from Franklinton High School, JoAnn attended Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana, where she earned a degree in secretarial studies. She was a great student, making excellent grades, staying organized, and always being responsible. She lived in the dorms, quickly making friends. She would later share stories with her kids of these days with tales of late-night road trips to Florida's Gulf Coast and carefree days spent on the beach.

After college, JoAnn met Kenneth "Randy" Johnston, a long-haired, free-spirited musician from Baton Rouge. They connected instantly and shared a romance filled with love, creativity, and humor. Married in the 1970s, JoAnn and Randy welcomed their son, Brian, in 1978 and their daughter, Emily, in 1983. The family lived in Baton Rouge, spending joyful days at the neighborhood pool, hosting backyard BBQs and Randy's band practices. Sundays were often spent at Randy's parents' house in Baker, surrounded by family and delicious home cooked food. JoAnn's warmth and humor made their home a place where everyone felt loved and where laughter always echoed. Though JoAnn and Randy divorced in the early 1990s, they maintained a close friendship built on mutual respect, friendship, and their shared love for family.

A few years later, JoAnn's friendship with Luc Van Muylem blossomed into a loving relationship. One memorable evening at a dance, Luc played a playful prank by "hiding" her shoe, sparking laughter and creating a moment of connection. Their affection grew quickly, evolving into a deep and lifelong love. In 1996, they married and embraced a new adventure, moving to London, England, with Brian and Emily to begin an exciting chapter together.

Living in England brought both difficulties and delights. While the rain and unfamiliar food posed challenges for the native Louisianians, JoAnn embraced the chance to immerse herself in new cultures. She found joy in leisurely Sundays spent with Luc reading the London Times, attending theater productions, and exploring iconic landmarks such as Stonehenge, Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford, and Liverpool's Beatles sites. Weekend trips to Belgium provided cherished opportunities to connect with Luc's family, creating bonds that became even stronger over time.

After three years, the family returned to Baton Rouge, where life was filled with the comforts of home—love, laughter, sunshine, and amazing food. JoAnn and Luc found immense joy in being back among familiar surroundings. Both of them often remarked how lucky they felt to have found each other and to share a life so full of love and mutual respect. Their days were filled with shared moments of contentment, nurturing their family, and celebrating the life they had built together. JoAnn and Luc's deep love for one another brought warmth and happiness to their home, creating a foundation of joy for their family and friends.

JoAnn became a second mother to many of her children's friends. Her home was a sanctuary where young people found wisdom, encouragement, and unconditional support. She taught them how to manage money, cook simple meals, and approach life's challenges with grace and humor. JoAnn had a way of making everyone feel like they belonged, offering a listening ear, practical advice, and amazing hugs.

In 2010, JoAnn and Luc moved to Santa Rosa, California, following Luc's retirement. Together, they created a new home, making new friends and establishing connections in the wine industry. Luc and JoAnn established a small vineyard, which they nurtured together with care and humor. They playfully named their imagined wine label "The Two Hoers" a reflection of their humor and teamwork.

JoAnn embodied strength, warmth, and an unwavering sense of humor. Her gift for hospitality was unmatched—her home was always filled with the aromas of delicious cooking and the warmth of her welcoming spirit. She took immense joy in preparing meals for family and friends, with her legendary gumbo standing as a true testament to her Southern roots and her ability to bring people together over food. JoAnn had a way of making everyone feel at home, ensuring that anyone who walked through her door was greeted with a genuine sense of belonging.

Her love for her "kitties" brought her immense comfort and joy. They were her constant companions, providing her with solace during quiet moments and filling her home with warmth and life. JoAnn had a special bond with each of her cats, treating them as cherished members of her family and delighting in their unique personalities. Her home was always filled with their playful energy and gentle presence, creating an atmosphere of love.

JoAnn was incredibly supportive of both of her children. She was her son Brian's biggest fan, proudly supporting his bands and serving as their number one promoter. JoAnn actively promoted his music to everyone she met—grocery store clerks, waiters, neighbors, and friends alike. Her pride in his musical talent was evident to all who knew her, and she eagerly shared his achievements with everyone she met. Whether she was giving out CDs, links to his websites, or wearing his band T-Shirts, JoAnn never missed an opportunity to promote his music and celebrate his accomplishments. JoAnn was equally devoted to supporting her daughter Emily, always there when Emily needed her. Whether it was joining Emily on a cross-country road trip to move her belongings from New York to California or offering her thoughtful guidance and encouragement in navigating life and career challenges, JoAnn was a constant source of love and strength for both her children.

Given the close bond with her children, Brian and Emily often reflected on how fortunate they were to have a mother like JoAnn. She showed them what it means to be respectful, to love and be loved, and to experience the strength of unconditional parental love. She taught them how to be strong and independent while never losing their kindness. Her humor was infectious, and she had the best laugh, a sound that could brighten even the darkest days. Although separated by distance, they stayed connected through texts, phone calls, and video chats. On phone calls, she always insisted on having the last word, saying, "I love you the most" before hanging up—a reflection of her playfulness and deep love.

She was the matriarch of her family, a role she embraced with grace and generosity. JoAnn's legacy of love, compassion, and resilience will continue to inspire all who knew her. She is survived by her devoted husband, Luc Van Muylem; her children, Brian Johnston and Emily Johnston; and a large extended family of siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends who cherished her as family. JoAnn's warmth and spirit will be deeply missed but forever remembered by those whose lives she touched.