Jo Kavanaugh Storey

Jo Kavanaugh Storey died peacefully on June 14, 2006. Jo was born on July 9, 1938 to Willa Mae Nixon Kavanaugh and Joe Kavanaugh in Glenmora, Louisiana. After moving to Texas, she graduated from Beaumont High School in 1956.

Shortly after high school, she met the love of her life Arthur L. Storey, Jr., who was on summer vacation from his studies at Rice University. Jo and Arthur were married on February 15, 1958 while Arthur was still a student. The young couple worked as ballroom dance instructors in the downtown Houston Arthur Murray Studios while Arthur completed his studies at Rice and his ROTC training.

The couple’s first Army assignment was overseas in Germany where Arthur served as an officer in the Corps of Engineers. Jo enjoyed the opportunity to visit many countries in Europe, and she returned several times. After three years and a baby boy, they returned home to Texas to raise their new family.

Jo then supported Arthur for the next 60 years through nine job and four career changes, until his retirement in 2015, During that time, she attended the University of Houston and obtained a real estate broker’s license. The couple had two children, Michael, who became a physician and Anglican priest, and Linda who became a lawyer and judge.

Jo’s life and focus were dedicated to her husband and children. She was an accomplished dancer, social bridge competitor, and world traveler. She enjoyed attending the Alley Theater and the Houston Symphony.

Jo is survived by her husband, Arthur L. Storey, Jr., her son, Dr. Michael Arthur Storey and his wife Mitzi, her daughter, Linda Kathryn Storey, her sister, Jacqueline Kavanaugh Helms, three grandchildren, Arthur Drew Storey, Sydney Storey Devera and husband Joshua, Brendan McLain Storey, and two great-granddaughters, Lilliana Devera and Luna Devera.

A graveside service will be on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 1:00 pm at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, Texas 77023.