Josie "Jo" Morgan

January 28, 1918- December 13, 2011

Josie “Jo” Morgan, a lifelong teacher and student, died on December 13, 2011. She was 93 years old. Born in 1918 to parents, Alvin and Nellie Hansen, Josie spent her childhood in Freeport, Texas. She attended Sam Houston State College where she discovered a lifelong passion for teaching. In 1942 Josie met and married James Milton Mauck and they had one son, Jim. 1st Lt. Mauck was killed in World War II having received two purple hearts, two bronze stars and one silver star. In the late 1940's she met and married Harry Morgan and they had one son, Alvin.

In 1963, Josie began teaching history at Arkansas High School. Her love of art led her to create the first art program at the school, and 47 years later, this program is one of the most acclaimed in the region. Josie expanded the art program to include evening classes for adults, and she fostered the talent of many outstanding artists.

Josie retired from teaching in 1984, but she never lost her love for learning. An avid bridge player, mall walker, member of Delta Kappa Gamma and the Miller County Retired Teachers Association, Josie developed many enduring friendships through her activities.

Faith formed the foundation of Josie’s life, and she was a member of Central Christian Church. She was the first female to be elected as deacon in the church’s history, and she participated in Christian Women’s Fellowship, and the Paul’s Sunday School Class.

Josie lived the last years of her life at Cornerstone Retirement Center, where she cherished the many friendships made. She was active in numerous social activities, and she welcomed visits from friends and family.

Perhaps Josie will best be remembered for her encouragement of those around her—both young and old. She was instrumental in shaping the lives of students of every age, and she touched the lives of all who knew her. Many of her former students remember the numerous ways in which she impacted their lives.

Former student, Federal Judge David Folsom: “I was fortunate to know Mrs. Morgan when she taught at Arkansas High. She took me under her wing, and she said that I reminded her of her son who was attending dental school. I never forgot her kindness and her gentle spirit. She was dearly loved by teachers and students alike.”

Blaine Sapaugh, another former student, shared, ““All teachers touch lives but only a few have a major impact on generations. Jo Morgan was one of the few. She was more than just a teacher; she was a counselor, an encourager, an advisor, a confidant, a model, and a mentor. She genuinely loved and cared for every student that entered her classroom, and she made each one of them feel that he or she was someone special. I was blessed to be one of those students.”

Local surgeon Dr. Dan Moore recalls Mrs. Morgan as his most memorable and favorite teacher. “I felt that she took a personal interest in me, and she helped me to believe in myself. Mrs. Morgan taught me to believe that I could accomplish whatever I set my mind to if I was willing to work for it.”

Josie was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Morgan. She leaves a great legacy of love in her family: sons and daughters-in-law, Dr. Jim & Judy Morgan and Alvin & Karen Morgan; grandchildren, Shelby Wanstrath, Haven Pearcy, Ryan Morgan, Elizabeth, Chelsie, and David Morgan, and Tori Huckaba; and great-grandchildren, Eden Pearcy and Kaleb Huckaba.

A memorial celebration will be held at 6 p.m., Saturday at Cornerstone Retirement Center, 4100 Moores Lane, Texarkana, TX. Visitation with family and friends will follow.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Central Christian Church, 903 Walnut, Texarkana, TX 75503 or Opportunities, Inc. 6101 North State Line Avenue, Texarkana, TX 75503

Friends, family and former students wishing to send their tributes to the Morgan family may do so at www.eastfuneralhomes.com.