Jo Ann Collins Somers

Jo Ann Collins Somers, 93, left this earthly home on October 8, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. She was born January 10, 1932, in Arlington to Velma and Arthur Collins. Jo Ann was raised in Arlington, where she attended Arlington High School. After graduation, she moved from her family’s farm into town to live with her beloved grandmother, Maggie P. Collins. She worked at First National Bank in downtown Arlington while also attending classes at Arlington State College. During these years, she met Henry Ray Somers. They married in 1951 and later had two children.

Jo Ann, affectionately known as “Mer”, treasured time with her family and delighted in caring for her garden. Each spring and summer, her roses and blackberry bushes burst into color and sweetness under her careful touch. She was also a talented seamstress who enjoyed sewing for herself and others. Her door was always open to family, friends, and neighbors. "I want my neighbors to know I’m home,” she would often say with a smile.

She poured countless hours into her children, always present for their activities and accomplishments. As grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along, she extended that same love and devotion to them, finding her greatest joy in being “Mer.” Her famous cinnamon rolls and divinity iced birthday cakes became beloved family traditions, sweet reflections of her warmth and generosity.

Jo Ann truly enjoyed traveling, especially to Colorado and to visit family. Family and friends will always remember her as someone who loved unconditionally, smiled easily, and whose bright blue eyes sparkled with kindness and joy.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Ray Somers; her parents, Arthur and Velma Collins; and siblings Billy Ray Collins, James Lynn Collins, and Edna Myrle Bellomy, son in law, Robert Tokerud

Left to cherish her memory are her sisters Mary Nell Rater and Karal Kay Cannon; her son Donald Ray Somers; daughter Marsha Kay Tokerud; grandchildren Jeramie Stone and wife Genesis, Autumn Evans and husband Brian, Jillian Britton, Melanie James and husband Matt, and Jordan Somers; eleven great-grandchildren; countless nieces, nephews, and extended family. She will also be lovingly remembered by her cherished neighbors Isabel and Jack Shaffer, Marie Sutton, and the Fearka family.

Flowers are welcome to honor Jo Ann’s love of gardening and beauty. For those who wish, memorial donations may also be made to Mission Arlington in her name.

A funeral service for Jo Ann will be held Tuesday, October 14, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Moore Funeral Home, 1219 North Davis Drive, Arlington, TX 76012. Following the funeral service will be a committal service from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Parkdale Cemetery, 701 S Mary St, Arlington, TX 76010.