Jo Ann Swann Truitt

Jo Ann (Swann) Truitt passed away surrounded by loved ones on September 16, 2026. Born in Marshall, Texas, on May 20, 1938, as the only child to Blanche Davidson Swann and Joe Marion Swann, Jo Ann grew up in Tyler, Texas. At an early age, she excelled in making lifelong friends. After graduating from John Tyler High School, where she was the head drum major, she attended Southern Methodist University, where she became a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and once again made lifelong friends. As good as she was at making friends, she met the love of her life, George, on a blind date. They were married in 1961. During the early years of their marriage, their family expanded with the arrival of Richard and Nancy. They lived in multiple cities before settling down in Dallas where, once again, Jo Ann created new friendships. Jo Ann’s ability to make friends continued as she began playing tennis. Along the way, a love of card games emerged, first with duplicate bridge, then Onze and Hand and Foot. A fierce competitor, she always had a twinkle in her eye when winning any card game. Testaments to Jo Ann’s ability to make friends are the numerous separate friend groups that she was able to meld. These friendships, often shared with her children and grandchildren, bring great comfort to those she leaves behind. Old and young alike, her friends always saw her beautiful smile and the joy in her heart. George always said, “You can take the girl out of East Texas, but you can never take East Texas out the girl.” She was truly a Tyler Rose who loved her family and friends deeply. She cherished her time with family, a radiant smile lighting up a room anytime her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren walked through the door.

Jo Ann is survived by her children, Richard Truitt (Karen Truitt) and Nancy Truitt Edwards (Warren Edwards); her grandchildren Katie Truitt Coleman (Tanner Coleman), Sally Truitt Ryan (Scott Ryan), Janie Truitt, Preston Edwards, and Laura Edwards Largent (Jacob Largent); her great-grandchildren, Jack Coleman, Smith Coleman, Henry Truitt, Maggie Ryan, and Truitt Largent. She was preceded in death by her husband, George.

A celebration of Jo Ann’s life will be at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Highland Park United Methodist Church, with a reception to follow at Brook Hollow Golf Club (valet will be provided at both venues). Jo Ann requested that friends wear bright attire to her service. If desired, donations in Jo Ann’s memory may be made to Greater European Mission https://gemission.org/give/10295/ or Highland Park United Methodist Church.