Josie Lee Hubbard

Josie Lee Hubbard 92, passed away Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at her home in Denison. She was born Thursday, September 20, 1923 in Weinert, Texas to H. W. and Mollie Barnett. Her formative years included living in many small West Texas towns, where her father was a Methodist minister. One of seven children, she graduated from Higgins High School, where she was Salutatorian of her class.

After high school Jo enrolled at Texas Technological College. Working her way through college, she wrote for the school newspaper “The Toreador” and was its first woman business manager. She was editor of the annual, “La Ventana”, and was one of the 1944 Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. Jo was also a member of Phi Upsilon Omicron and several other organizations. Graduating in 1945, she embarked on a career in education.

She met her first husband, J.W. Smith, in Tulia, Texas where she was a high school teacher. They married in February 3, 1946 and had three children. Living the life of a banker’s wife, they lived in many West Texas towns, including many years in Lubbock and Amarillo. Later they moved to Dallas. After J.W.’s untimely death, she moved to Denison, Texas to be close to her children. There she met and married Keith Hubbard in October 1980 and enjoyed many years together with their blended family.

Jo was very involved in her community. While in Denison, she started the travel club of American Bank of Texas. She was a member of Waples Memorial United Methodist Church and served on several committees. She was a member of The Rejebian Club, Keep Denison Beautiful, Junior League in Lubbock and Amarillo, Chelsea Park Garden Club, Tuesday Study Club, Wednesday Bridge Club, Birthday Lunch Bunch and the Thursday Review.

Jo is preceded in death by her parents, her first husband J. W. Smith, and her second husband Keith Hubbard, son Scott Smith, two brothers, Lloyd Barnett, Verl Barnett and three sisters, Lola Barnett, Edith Gossett and Maxine Tarbox.

She is survived by her son Steven Smith and wife Harriett of Horseshoe Bay, daughter Sarah Frietsch and husband Carl of Denison, Scott’s wife Gail Utter of Sherman, stepson Marcus Hubbard and wife Karen of Denison, stepson Keith Hubbard Jr. of Denison, stepdaughter Nancy Rogers and husband Stephen of Dallas and sister Catherine Crawford of Lubbock, Texas.

She is survived by and adored all of her grandchildren: Blake Utter, Wade Smith, Callie Wynn, Hannah Smith, J.W. Smith and wife Susy, Taylor Smith and wife Lindsey, John Frietsch, Luke and Blake Rogers. Her great grandchildren who were gifts late in her life are Barrett, Brady and William Wynn and Eliana and Peach Smith.

Jo had a great way about her. A gracious lady, her calm demeanor and intellect gave her the ability to do many things well. She was an amazing cook, entertainer, and loved to play bridge. She was best known for her guidance and mentoring to many family and friends.

Family visitation will be 6:00PM, Thursday, September 8, 2016 at Bratcher Funeral Home in Denison.

Funeral service will be 11:00AM, Friday, September 9, 2016 at Waples Memorial United Methodist Church with Roy Spore officiating. Burial will be, 2:00PM, Saturday, September 10, 2016 at Resthaven Cemetery in Lubbock.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Waples Memorial United Methodist Church, Grayson County Home Hospice, (DAWG), Denison Animal Welfare Group, 3307 S. Eisenhower Parkway, Denison, or Grand Central Station in Sherman