Jo Anne King, 80, passed away peacefully early on Sunday morning, March 17, 2013, in Houston, Texas. She was born on Easter Sunday, April 3, 1932 to A. T. Browne and Manila “Nell” Stafford. As a much loved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, family was always important to Jo Anne especially weekly Sunday dinners with the family at home. She loved traveling, visiting with family and learning new things. She traveled the world exploring multiple countries on every continent except Antarctica. She was very artistic – enjoyed painting ceramics and designing stained glass for her husband, Lowell, to make. Giving and sharing her creations with others brought her immense joy. Jo Anne loved nature and recognized and knew the names of all the wildflowers, trees and birds.
Jo Anne retired with over 30 years of service as a first grade teacher in Spring Branch ISD with most of her years of service at Woodview Elementary. Ever the first grade teacher, she worked with first graders in Sunday School at First Baptist Spring Branch, Girls in Action at Tallowood Baptist Church and through Big A clubs at West End. She served in the Northwest Harris County Retired Teachers Association as President and initiated a program to put books in the hands of elementary students. Jo Anne also faithfully volunteered on the Food Service Committee at Tallowood. She always desired to be active and helpful to others.
She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Lowell King, daughters, Karen and her husband, Perry Harrell, Mary Nell and her husband, Pete Brastrom, and Kathleen and her husband, Loren Smith. Also surviving are six grandchildren: Elissa and her husband, Philip Boedeker, Mallory Harrell, Paul and Kyle Brastrom, Collin and Trent Smith and one great-grandchild, Parker Boedeker. Jo Anne is also survived by her sister, Gwen Wilkins, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Jo Anne graduated with a Bachelors and a Masters of Education from Louisiana State University. She was a Freshman Queen at LSU and swam backstroke on the swim team and participated in synchronized swimming. She received numerous awards through her service as an educator. She was a Phi Mu at LSU and a member of ADK teaching sorority.
We appreciate all the support and kindness during this difficult time. We know that Mom is in a better place with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Donations may be made in Jo Anne’s memory to Tallowood Baptist Church.
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