Jo Beth Haggard

She is survived by sons Ward Milton Haggard Jr. and his wife Dee Bowman Haggard and Herbert Montgomery Haggard; grandchildren Blakeley Anne Amerio, Travis Scott Haggard, Benjamin Patrick Haggard, Andrew Bowman Haggard and Clifford Ward Haggard; great-grandchildren Ethan James Amerio, Millie Marie Haggard, Blake Bowman Haggard, William Hayes Haggard, Patrick Robert Haggard, nieces Immy Lou Gibson Hill and Margaret Gibson Forristall, and extended family members, all of whom stayed close to their “Aunt Jody”. Jo Beth is preceded in death by her husband, Ward Milton Haggard Sr., her sister Ann Montgomery Gibson, as well as her beloved daughter, Ann Haggard Jackson. Ann’s husband, Bob Jackson, remained close to Jo Beth for the remainder of her life.

Born in Cuero, Texas, Jo Beth graduated from High School as Salutatorian. After her family moved to Austin, Jo Beth attended the University of Texas where she was a member of Tri Delta sorority, graduating from the University of Texas with a degree in English in 1941. In Austin, Jo Beth met her future husband Ward Haggard while working for Braniff Airways. Married shortly after the beginning of the war, Ward and Jo Beth travelled the country as Ward was assigned to different airbases as a pilot in the Army Air Corp. Following the war, they returned to Austin for Ward to finish his degree in Petroleum Engineering before moving on to Beaumont, Texas.

Jo Beth provided a warm loving household after moving to Beaumont, Texas as Ward built the family oil and gas service business. In addition to raising three children and providing a rich social life that included many neighbors and friends in the oil and gas business, Jo Beth was a founding member of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Beaumont, where she served as an Elder.

After arriving at the Hallmark in Houston, Jo Beth held various committee memberships and personally introduced new members. Jo Beth outlived many sets of friends but was always making more, bringing joy and happiness to so many.

The family thanks the fine staff at the Hallmark for their efforts in providing such a wonderful environment during her years there. Jo Beth was an engaging conversationalist and was blessed with a good mind and loving spirit that made her excellent company for the entirety of her life.

The family will gather for a private interment at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Beaumont, Texas.

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