Jo Anna Pirtle

Jo passed away at her home on Monday, October 20, 2025, at the vibrant age of 94. She is loved as a mom, granny, and great-grandmother.

A Memorial Gathering for Jo will be held Tuesday, November 18, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Laurel Land – Rose Hill Funeral Home, 7301 East Lancaster Ave, Fort Worth, Texas 76112, with a Celebration of Life starting at 11:00 AM. Inurnment to follow at Laurel Land – Rose Hill Memorial Park.

Jo was born on September 4, 1931, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Buster Charles Jackson and Charlotte Rose Schoolfield Jackson, both of whom preceded her in death along with her stepdad, Francis L. McCann.

She grew up in Fort Worth, Texas and often visited her grandparents, Dr. Henry Floyd and Mrs. Ella Schoolfield in Sunset, TX. She is a 1949 Polytechnical High School graduate and attended Texas State College for Women in Denton. Jo married Elmer Leroy Lester, Jr. in 1951, moved to Forest Hill and had four children; Elmer, along with their children, Debie and Stacy Jay preceded her in death. Throughout her youth and marriage, Jo had a variety of interests including being in Rainbow Girls, leading both Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops, creating a variety of art, shooting archery, and contributing articles to the local newspaper. Jo was admired by students and teachers alike for all her tireless contributions.

Jo and I.L. (Gene) Pirtle married in 1973 and were married 52 years until his passing. Together they enjoyed traveling, volunteering and local politics. Jo served on the Tarrant County Historical Commission and was also a founding member of the Forest Hill Historical Preservation Commission, chairing the cemetery committees of both organizations. She gave downtown Fort Worth courthouse tours while serving the Fort Worth Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and also volunteered with the Tarrant County Archives. In addition, she served for 5 years on the Forest Hill City Council and supported Gene in the Lion’s Club, Fort Worth Anglers Club, and classic car events.

She was known for her wisdom in several areas and was thought of as a grandmother by more than her children’s children. She was a valued member of her family and very active in her community throughout her life. Jo will be greatly missed by family, friends, and neighbors.

Jo is survived by five children: Bejie Lester O’Doherty, LeAna Lester Brown, Kinzie Pirtle Baginski (John), Dana Pirtle McGehee, and Jason Pirtle (Angela). She is also survived by five grandchildren: Jason Brewer (Vivian), Randi Brown DeRamus (Colton), Lacey Graham, Travis Cox (Becky), and Bonnie Cox Kemnitz (Kohl), as well as great-grandchildren, Jeremiah DeRamus, Parker DeRamus, Deacon DeRamus, Shepherd DeRamus, and Aiden Brewer.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a favorite charity in memory of your friend, neighbor, and loved one, Jo Pirtle.