Joan Lynette Sorrell was born on March 17,1951 in San Antonio, Texas to Bishop Robert A. Wauls and Myrtle G. Wauls (Williams). Joan accepted Christ at an early age at True Holiness Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ under the leadership of Bishop Robert A. Wauls. She received her formal education in the San Antonio Independent School District attending Brackenridge High School. Joan went on to further her education attending St. Phillips Community College located in San
Antonio, Texas.