Jo Ann (Richards) Benjamin, 76, passed away peacefully at home on August 4, 2026, with her loving husband by her side. Born July 19, 1950, in Lampasas, Texas Jo Ann spent most of her life in the Central Texas area, where she built her career, shared many years with her family, and made her home.
Jo Ann enjoyed a successful career in property management spanning more then 34 years before retiring in 2013.
In 2009, Jo Ann married Dennis “BJ” Benjamin, with whom she shared many years of laughter, love, and simply enjoying life together. Throughout her life, Jo Ann enjoyed traveling and embracing new adventures. She loved camping, fishing, dancing, relaxing at the beach, taking cruises, antiquing, shopping, and listening to country music, though her love of music wasn’t limited to country – she never missed a Kid Rock concert. She also loved spending time with her beloved dogs, Charlie and Sammie. She and her husband especially enjoyed attending Dallas Cowboys football games, NASCAR races, and taking casino trips together.
Jo Ann is survived by her husband, Dennis “BJ” Benjamin; her daughter Toni Basinger (Clint); her son, Cory Stricklin (Lacee); her stepson, Dennis “Peewee” Benjamin; her grandchildren, JamieLee Reyes, Taylor Basinger, Tori “LeeLee” Mayo, Brock Stricklin, and Jerry Cephus; and her great-granddaughters, Julianna Reyes and Sterling Mayo.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Josephine and Primo D’Andrea; her son, Richard Lee “Tripper” Stricklin II; and granddaughter, Haley Nicole Basinger.
Jo Ann will be remembered for the life she lived, the places she traveled, and the memories shared with those who knew her.
