Jo Ellen Atkins

Jo Ellen Atkins (Pickens) was born September 12, 1954 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Her Parents were Arch Prewitt Pickens and Thelma Gene Pearsall. Jo Ellen moved from Little Rock, Arkansas to Houston, Texas with her family as a young girl. She grew up in Houston and later attended J. Frank Dobie High School.

After high school Jo Ellen attended the University of Houston and graduated in 1978 with degrees in Biology and Chemistry. She met her future husband Gordon at a Christmas Party in 1975 while attending the University of Houston. Jo Ellen was also a member of the Chi Omega Sorority in college. She was married after graduation in 1978 at her church, St. Paul’s Episcopal in Houston, Texas. Jo Ellen worked in the Healthcare Industry field for most of her career. She worked at Texas Children’s Hospital, Methodist Hospital for 15 years and M.D. Anderson for 19 years. It was there she worked as the Laboratory Supervisor (Chief) for the Frozen Immunopathology Lab. She was a true professional in the workforce. Upon her retirement in early 2020, at her retirement party, her doctor colleagues said she would be missed – but that no one could replace her. She loved her job dearly.

Jo Ellen had a son, Scott James on May 4, 1987, and a daughter, Laura Ellen on July 5, 1990. Jo Ellen was a devoted mother and wife. She recently celebrated her 45th Wedding Anniversary with Gordon in August. She believed in her family and loved her children. Every Sunday was church and a roast for a family dinner. Jo Ellen loved cooking and having family over for dinners and get togethers. Holidays were among her favorite times. Christmas and Halloween were her favorites. Her house was always decorated to the max for all holidays. Personalized gifts and treats were always shared with her children on holidays and birthdays throughout their life. This tradition has been passed on to her grandchildren Anastyn Mae and Austin Michael. Her children and grandchildren will miss her loving touches. Jo Ellen was a long-time member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Pearland, Texas.

After a lengthy illness, Jo Ellen passed away February 3, 2024 in Clear Lake, Texas. She is survived by her mother, Thelma Gene. Jo Ellen is survived by her son, Scott James and his wife Jessica. Jo Ellen loved Jessica and enjoyed having a second daughter. She is survived by her daughter, Laura Ellen and her husband Joseph. Jo Ellen thought Joseph was special and a great man. She is also survived by her two grandchildren, Anastyn Mae and Austin Michael. She is survived by her sister Shanon Lea, whom she dearly loved, and will miss. A Memorial Service will be held in her honor on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 10:00 am in the Chapel of Forest Park East Funeral Home.