Jo Ann (Jody) Warnack

She was born in Dallas, Texas on August 16, 1932 to Thomas Sanford Freeman and W. Grace Howard. She was raised in Ft. Worth in her early years and attended North Dallas High School. She then later moved to Long Island New York working summer jobs in New York City where people nicknamed her "Tex." Jody graduated from Valley Stream High School in Long Island, New York and then moved back to Texas and attended the University of Oklahoma and Southern Methodist University for a time.

She was married to the love of her life, Worthy R. Warnack, for 69 years. They met in 1949 at her father's Gulf Oil station at the corner of Northwest Highway and Preston Road in Dallas where Worthy worked a summer job while attending Texas A&M. They married at the SMU chapel in 1952. They raised their sons in Dallas, Conroe, Midland, Beaumont and Baytown before retiring to Kingwood, Texas. They traveled the world and made many adventurous trips in Worthy's home built airplane.

Jody trained as a respiratory therapist and worked as a librarian for years. She volunteered for numerous local organizations as her boys were growing up and enjoyed her library and book club connections. At one time she was a member of three book clubs and hosted many club meetings and "movies made from books" viewings at her home. She was a member of Friends of the Kingwood Library and has a memorial block on the walkway to the library.

Jody had a passion for books, birds, butterflies, and her beloved pets, gardening, movies, the newspaper, crosswords, word games and Sudoku. She became one of many UNO card game champions at her assisted living residence! She was famous for planning events for the grandchildren over the years, hosting "Camp Kingwood" and she always had a sweet tea on hand made from fresh mint she grew in her garden! Jody loved Mexican food outings, shrimp enchiladas and a margarita on the rocks!

Jody had a genuine caring and concern for everyone and sincerely wanted the best for everyone. She would frequent the phrase "Bless Your Heart" and she meant it. All who knew her felt blessed!

She is survived by her husband Worthy R. Warnack; sons, Dr. Worthy (Ann) Warnack and Mark (Mary) Warnack; grandchildren, Dr. Elizabeth (Andy) Gorman, Emily (Ryan) Fortner, and Thomas Warnack; Great Grandchildren, Charlotte and Henry Fortner and a new baby Gorman on the way! She is also survived by her sister, Liz (Bob) Bertolami, and her father's wife, Helen Freeman.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kingwoodfuneralhome.com for the Warnack Family. These will later be printed and sent to the family for keepsakes.