M. Joan White Engeling

M. Joan White Engeling, 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Friday, August 22, 2025, in Harlingen, Texas. She was born September 13, 1946, to James and Lois Cook in Sheridan, Arkansas. Her family moved to Brownsville in 1957 where she made her home and created her legacy.

Joan was the owner of Rio Grande Valley Abstract Co., Inc. Her career in the title industry began with Valley Abstract in Brownsville in 1972. Upon purchasing the company in 1987, she truly made her mark and turned her business into a true family endeavor. Her daughter Jacqui is proud to carry on the tradition as President of the company. Joan was a pioneer in her industry, exemplifying a strong work ethic and strength beyond comparison. Her love of what she did was seen not only in her business and how she loved her clients, but also with her employees whom she treated as family and everyone who met her.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Jerry and Mike, and her stepson Matthew Engeling. She is survived by her husband Floyd Engeling, sister Ruth Crutchfield, daughters Jacqui Dempsey and husband David, and Jeri McDonnel and husband Jack, stepson Mark Engeling and wife Christy, three granddaughters Kristen Moore (Colton), Amy Johnson (Brandon), Kimberly Muncy (Andy), and two grandsons Matthew Dempsey (Marin) and Christopher McDonnel, along with six great grandchildren.

Anyone who knew Joan, knew that her greatest joy in life was her grandchildren. She particularly enjoyed traveling with them all over the United States and Europe, instilling in each of them a love of travel and creating wonderful and unforgettable memories.

Funeral services will be celebrated Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Harlingen with a reception immediately following at the church. The family will gather for a private interment.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are David Dempsey, Jack McDonnel, Mark Engeling, Matthew Dempsey, Christopher McDonnel, Andy Muncy, and Colton Moore.

Joan’s generous heart was seen throughout her life as she assisted numerous charities and never turned away a person in need. In honor of this generosity, the family requests donations be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 602 Morgan, Harlingen, TX 78550 in lieu of flowers.

Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.