Her influence over all of county government has been felt over the years.
“You are a fabulous, fantastic lady,” said Councilwoman Judy Stone. “I feel it’s an honor to know you.”
Councilman Ralph Booker also echoed the feelings of many in attendance at the meeting to honor Vanderweele for her service.
“I really appreciate all the guidance you’ve given me and all of us over the years,” he said.
Vanderweele began in government when “…my great friend…” Lloyd Beatty asked her to serve as his deputy in the recorder’s office. Her beginning in politics was just as personal.
“Bill Gee and Doc Bowen came into the Recorder’s office and Bill said, ‘That’s a good idea Joan, what do you think about it?’” she said. “I hadn’t been paying attention to the conversation so I asked what was a good idea and he said ‘Doc and I think you ought to run for Clerk.’ So I did.”
Vanderweele was the first woman elected to Marshall County government, a fact she is proud of to this day.
“I never really gave much thought to whether that was hard or not,” said Vanderweele. “I had two older brothers and a younger brother so I always appreciated and liked the work that men did.
“I’ve always loved government. When I was younger I would get out of school to work at the elections. I love good government. Government that works together for the good of everybody.”