Anna Jo Brooks

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Edward Brooks, of Big Spring, Texas; and by her sister and brother, Mary Neal Jackson Hammonds and William Clay Jackson. She is survived by her children, Meg, Jason and Shannon Brooks; granddaughter Bridget; her nephew Jeffrey Clay Hammonds and niece Nancy Phyllis Hammonds Rehbein.

Jo was born in Pecos, Texas in 1934 and grew up in West Texas and New Mexico. She went to high school in Stephenville, Texas and attended college at Tarleton State University. She married James in 1961 and they lived in Big Spring. In 1967, they moved to Austin and have lived here ever since. She was the bookkeeper at the Church of the Good Shepherd from 1974-1994.

Jo spent many summers in Ruidoso, New Mexico. One of her greatest pleasures was sitting on the porch of her cabin enjoying the cool mountain air.

Jo took care of James at home for ten years after he had a major stroke in 2001. Her children will always be grateful for the loving care she gave him during those long years.

She will be remembered for her quick wit and love of words. She was an avid reader and enjoyed playing cards, especially bridge. She loved to laugh and had a lovely voice. She sang in many choirs, including the choir at Tarrytown Methodist Church.

We will miss her very much.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2014 at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery, 2800 Hancock Dr., Austin.