Jo McBay

Whether you knew her as Puddin; Joanie; Little Bit; Mom; Hontie; Grandma; GGma; Joan; Jo; Miss Jo or any other nickname, assigned to her over the years- she was someone who would positively affect your life whether you realized it or not.

Jo, (we'll stick with “Jo”) was a child who woke up singing in the morning. Her positive attitude and love of the performing arts (especially music), combined with her intelligence and curiosity guided her through graduation from Thomas Jefferson High School (San Antonio, TX) and attendance at Baylor University and OLLU.

In June of 1954, she married H.C. “Mac” McBay their union would last until his death in April of 1999.

While, at times working outside the home, in addition to being a full-time homemaker, Jo raised two children to whom she was devoted. Once her youngest child reached school age, she discovered her true vocation that combined two of her favorite things -children and music – and returned to the workforce as a music teacher. Some of the best years of her life were spent at Pilgrim School. She adored the children; her job and the beautiful friends, most of whom are gone, that she made there.

Jo loved her family above all else. Of course, once you met her, you were family. That is just who she was. She would sacrifice anything for someone she loved. People were drawn to her and she welcomed them and listened with an open heart and mind. The needy (animal; human and botanical) that benefited from her care and guidance would fill a small stadium.

Jo was preceded in death by her husband, “Mac” McBay, her son Michael McBay and her Faithful Companion, Samwise who will be meeting her at the “Rainbow Bridge”.

Jo's memory will be forever treasured by her daughter, Sherri Schraer(Fred); Grandchildren Andrea Schulbach(Joel); Matthew Schraer (Shannon); Trevor Schraer(Katy) and Sean McBay; great granddaughters Laurel and Alice Schulbach; one great grandson who will be arriving soon (Jaxon Schraer); great grandcat Kuna; sister Dr. Patricia Johnson; Nephews Jeff (Nancy) and David (Kathy) Johnson; a plethora of much-loved friends and family spread across the South and the two daughters-of-her-heart Krystal Weid and Kathy Asher.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date yet to be determined.

Anyone wishing to make a memorial donation is encouraged to donate to the SA Feral Cat Coalition; SA Pets Alive or any charity of your choice benefiting animals; children or the arts.