JoAnn Myers, MD

JoAnn Myers, 97, of Topeka, passed away Saturday, April 11, 2026.

She was born November 16, 1928, in Lawrence, Kansas, the daughter of Oliver and Leila (Nevin) Myers.

JoAnn earned her Medical Doctorate from the Kansas University School of Medicine. Following her time at KU, she completed her postgraduate psychiatry residency and fellowship at the Menninger School of Psychiatry, Topeka, KS.

Following the completion of her formal training at Menninger, JoAnn embarked on her lifelong career in Menninger's Children Division. She initially worked as the director of the adolescent girls unit- a job she truly loved. However in the 1980s, when the Children's Division needed a new Director, she stepped up to the task- despite sorely missing the staff and clients to whom she was utterly devoted. She performed the Director's task impeccably until her retirement in 1993.

With her wide range of interests, she was active with the League of Women Voters, gardening clubs, her counted cross stitch group, extensive travel, including many safaris in Africa and countless road trips through her favorite places in the southwest- especially the "Land of Enchantment" in New Mexico. She was also an avid art collector, in particular the work of Lindsborg native Lester Raymer.

JoAnn is survived by her many friends and her beloved cat, Crispy. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Marjory Cyzmer.

JoAnn appreciated the care she received in her home in her final years.

An event to share "Memories of JoAnn" will take place at 10:00am on Monday, June 8, 2026 at the Topeka Zoo in Camp Cowabunga. The Topeka Zoo has requested that you please use the south entrance. In her honor, memorial contributions may be made to the Friends of the Topeka Zoo, 635 SW Gage Blvd, Topeka, KS 66606 or to Florence Crittenton Services, 2649 SW Arrowhead Rd, Topeka, KS 66614.

To share a memory of Jo Ann or leave a special message for her family, visit the guestbook below.