Jo Ann Gathings

Born on August 10, 1935, Jo Ann was called to her true and forever home on Dec.24, 2025. She graduated from Arlington Heights High School in Ft. Worth, TX and was the daughter of Phillip and Margaret Gathings, who both preceded her, along with others in her family, beloved brothers Douglas and Donnie Gathings, and son-in-law, Roy Fitzwater. She is survived by her children Margaret Fitzwater, Douglas Futch and wife, Kay, Phyllis McCray and husband, Scott, and Andy Futch and wife, Heather. Also, she is survived by 9 grandchildren, whom she adored, Chris and Melissa Fitzwater, Stephen Fitzwater, Amy Futch, Matt and Magen Futch, Charles and Heather McCray, Brian and Kati McCray, Jo McCray, Elizabeth Futch, and Malachi Futch. Also, surviving are her 6 great grandchildren whom she was crazy about.

Jo Ann was known and deeply loved by many because she loved and served others so faithfully—whether as homemaker, Special Education administrative assistant, or grandmother. She embodied the spirit of hospitality and home cooking. She loved to go to Bible studies, church meetings, sew, play games, and work puzzles. She had a long history of volunteering in a multitude of ways with her kids’ school activities, the school library, and her local church. Whatever she did, wherever she was, she had an uncanny gift for making those around her feel loved and valued. Even in memory care in the last years she managed to bring a smile to those around her.

We all miss her so very much and are thanking God that she is fully healed and fully alive as God intended. We are all eternally thankful for her impact on each of us - “I [we] have not stopped thanking God for you.” Eph. 1:16

A funeral service will be held at J.E. Foust & Son Funeral Directors, located at 523 S Main St, Grapevine, TX, 76051, on January 4, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

A committal service will follow at Cleburne Memorial Park Cemetery, 405 Waters St, Cleburne, TX, 76031, on January 5, 2026, from 11:00 am to 11:30 am.