Willie Mae "Jo" Scalco

Willie Mae “Jo” Scalco, 90, of Groves went to be with her Lord and Savior on August 14, 2010, after a valiant fight against heart disease. Born on April 24, 1920, in DeQueen, Arkansas, she lived most of her childhood in the state of Oklahoma. After coming to Texas, she met the love of her life, Steve, to whom she was married for over 40 years. Jo worked alongside of him at their produce company, Scalco’s Grocery in Port Arthur, until his death in 1987.

She led a full civic life, being a 30 year charter member of the American Business Women’s Association, Aurora Chapter of Port Arthur and serving as past president. She was named Woman of the Year in 2000. Jo also enjoyed socializing with her friends at the American Italian Cultural Club of Southeast Texas. Forever the tenacious saleswoman, her family, friends and customers always looked and smelled great because of Avon products she sold until she was 89 years old, making her one of the oldest Avon representatives in the world. She also loved tending to her flowers and her neighbors appreciated the way she beautified their surroundings while she took care of hers. Her engaging personality turned strangers into friends and all who met her loved her. She was a loving, giving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt friend.

She worshiped the Lord at the First Assembly of God Church in Port Arthur.

The family would like to thank Pastor David Way and the members of the First Assembly of God Church for all of their prayers and support. A special thanks goes out to Dr. Dia Abochamh, MD for his care, heartfelt compassion and guidance during her illness.

She is survived by her son, Anthony Scalco and wife Karen of Groves; daughter, Anna Ebert and husband Elbia Ebert, Jr., of Spring, Texas; five grandchildren, Elbia Ebert III and wife Denise of Porter, Texas, Joe Lee Ebert of Houston, Texas, Denise Sadberry of Plano, Texas, Stephanie Logerot and husband Mason of Leander, Texas and Nick Scalco of Austin, Texas; five great grandchildren, Jessica Sadberry, Brennan Ebert, Justin Delk, Britney Davis and Ryan Logerot; great great grandson, Kalob Davis and a host of wonderful, caring nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Steve Scalco; sisters, Burldean Davis, Cleo Bonnie Rice and Ray Dell Melancon; brothers, James and Leo Davis and great grandson Derrek Delk.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Monday, August 16, 2010, from 5 p.m., until 8 p.m., at Grammier-Oberle Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 17, 2010, at 10:30 a.m., at Grammier-Oberle Funeral Home with Pastor David Way officiating. Entombment will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Groves.

For those unable to attend you may sign the online guestbook at: www.grammier-oberle.com.