Jo Dan Waters

Jo Dan, one of nine children, was born to Willie Mae Parsons Shedd and Daniel Steve Shedd on February 1, 1927. Though her family had little material possessions, Jo Dan’s memories were rich with stories of her life with her two brothers and six sisters. She loved them all with all her heart. She left two sisters still living in their earthly homes, Erelene Webb and Peggy Williams, to join her two brothers, C. D. (Jack) Shedd and Bo (Alfred) Shedd, and four sisters, Vada Mae Rylant, Nellie Belle O’Rear, Delvina Gage, and Patsy Stephenson, in her new heavenly home.

She was born in Emory, Texas. At the age of 15, Jo Dan moved to Whitharral, Texas to live with her grandparents, Lucy Belle and Dewitt Cleveland Parsons. There she was the first of her family to finish high school and there she met her husband, Lonnie Waters, at a high school basketball game. Jo Dan and Lonnie began their marriage in Abilene Texas in November, 1946. They then moved to a dry land farm near Littlefield, Texas where their children were born. The family moved to Lubbock Texas in 1955.

Jo Dan was a dedicated homemaker, talented seamstress, and wonderful cook. The grandkids and many who knew her called her Mommy Jo. Family gatherings were a common occurrence at her home. Her family was her life and her passion. Her home was a place of love and safe refuge for many. Jo Dan was always glad to welcome anyone who came.

Jo Dan enjoyed bargain hunting and collecting. Her enthusiasm for finding bargains led to many adventures with family and friends shopping at garage sales and rummaging through junk yards.

Jo Dan left us with an example of generosity, sharing, and accomplishment in the face of adversity. She was independent and used to making her own way as well as providing for others. We are blessed by her life and by the values she lived by.

Jo Dan is preceded in death by her husband, Lonnie Waters and her daughter-in-law, Carol Waters, her two brothers and four sisters.

She is survived by her daughter Margaret Snead and her husband Bill of Fairport, NY, her daughter Brenda Bouse and her husband Don of Van Texas, and her son, Ron Waters of Abilene Texas, 8 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren with one on the way.

Graveside services will be held at Resthaven Memorial Garden, 5740 W 19th Street, Lubbock TX, on May 15, 2023 at 2:00 pm. Mommy Jo’s grandson, Kevin Bouse, will conduct the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hendrick Hospice 1651 Pine Street, Abilene, TX 79601.