Joanne Bradley Wieters

Joanne Bradley Wieters, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, social worker, advocate, and friend, returned to her heavenly home on the morning of September 6, 2026, at the age of 82. Her life was marked by faith, compassion, intellectual curiosity, and a deep commitment to helping others through life’s most difficult moments.

Joanne was born on April 17, 1944. A devoted Catholic, she was guided throughout her life by her faith. She graduated from Cornell University in 1966 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and chemistry. On August 20, 1966, she married Charles David Wieters, with whom she shared 60 years of marriage. In 1969, she earned her Master of Social Work degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Joanne devoted her life and career to social services, mental health advocacy, and supporting people through some of their most challenging experiences. She established and operated a successful private family social work practice while also fulfilling government contracts that supported emergency responders.

Joanne provided critical support following several of the nation’s most devastating disasters. She was instrumental in supporting first responders at Ground Zero following the September 11 attacks and also assisted those affected by Hurricane Andrew, the Oklahoma City bombing, and Hurricane Katrina.

Her commitment to mental health advocacy extended throughout her community and profession. Joanne served as president of the National Alliance on Mental Illness chapter in El Paso and as a member of the board of the National Association of Social Workers, TX Chapter.

Joanne possessed a remarkable understanding of people and generously shared her wisdom with those around her. She taught her family the importance of compassion, resilience, self-awareness, and finding hope even in difficult circumstances. She had a special appreciation for Native American pottery and treasured her visits to reservations throughout the Southwest.

An avid reader, Joanne was endlessly curious about the world around her. She loved keeping up with the news—so much so that she often scheduled her days around it. She will also be remembered for her sense of humor and her many memorable “momisms,” familiar expressions that brought smiles to those who loved her and will continue to be repeated for generations.

Joanne was also an excellent gin rummy player. She played consistently with her husband, David, all the way through her final days, enjoying the companionship, friendly competition, and familiar ritual they shared.

She is survived by her husband, Charles David Wieters; her daughter, Meghan Wieters, and Meghan’s husband, Tyler Batdorf; her son, Evan Wieters, and his wife, Melissa Wieters; and her beloved grandsons, Jacob Batdorf and Brannon Wieters.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Polly Bradley; her sister, Rebecca “Becky” Bradley; and her brother, Joseph “Mike” Bradley.

Joanne’s faith, compassion, wisdom, and steadfast belief in the potential of others will remain a lasting part of the family she loved and the countless lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.

Services are entrusted to Sunset Funeral Homes – West, 480 N. Resler Dr, El Paso TX 79912

Memorial visitation: will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Sunset Funeral Homes – West, 480 N. Resler Dr., El Paso, Texas 79912

Scripture service: will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Sunset Funeral Homes – West, 480 N. Resler Dr., El Paso, Texas 79912