Joann Vivian Fugitt was born on May 11,1933 in Merit, Texas to Lee and Nannie Sumrow-Fugitt. She was the second child of five. 

Two brothers:  The late William (Buddy) Fugitt and the late Jerry Fugitt. 

Two sisters:  The late Betty Nan Fugitt-Wrinkle and Mary Frances (Sissy) Fugitt-Carter  

She was raised in Merit-Greenville area.  Picking cotton