Jo Ann was born on March 17, 1935, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, to Joe Leonard and Alice Pearl Barrentine. She was the third of twelve children.
Jo Ann loved Jesus with her whole heart. She faithfully prayed for her husband, Jake, children, and family all her life. She found great joy in her Bible and listening to old gospel hymns. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Grangerland.
Jo Ann began working at a very young age, picking cotton alongside her family starting at just six years old. She continued this work until the day she married. On October 10, 1953, at the age of 18, she married the love of her life, Jeffie Clayton Jackson, Sr. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Houston, Texas, where they settled and raised their family.
Jo Ann was a devoted wife and a loving mother to her five children. Her children were the joy of her life, and she stood by them every step of the way. She dedicated her life to caring for and nurturing her family.
She enjoyed cooking, gardening, deer hunting, fishing, traveling throughout the United States and abroad, and writing poetry. She also loved watching sports—especially football and the Houston Astros. It made her year when one of the Texans football players kissed her on the cheek not too long ago! Above all, Jo Ann cherished her time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She loved them so very much.
Jo Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Joe Leonard and Alice Pearl Barrentine; her beloved husband of 51 years, Jeffie Clayton Jackson, Sr.; and her grandson, Jaylee Wade Hofmeister.
She is survived by her children: Phyllis Jones; Danny Jackson and wife Star; Janice Gomez; Jeff Jackson, Jr. and wife Martha; and Clifton Jackson and wife Zina; along with 14 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild on the way. She is also survived by her sibling, Terry Barrentine, and wife Suzanne.
Serving the family as pallbearers are her grandsons: Jeremy Jackson, Casey Jackson, Zane Jackson, Chaz Jackson, and Wiley Eaves, and her great-grandson, Gavin Jackson.
The family extends a special thank you to Sally and Beto Mariscal during her final six months at Mary’s Blessing and also to Oasis Hospice and staff.
Her memory will live forever in the hearts of those she loved.
“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” — Matthew 25:21
A visitation will be held at Cashner Funeral Home, located at 801 Teas Road, Conroe, TX 77303, on February 11, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Funeral services will take place at the same location on February 11, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. The committal service will follow at Garden Park Cemetery
