Mrs. Jo Ella Ann (Osborn) Doggett

Jo Ella was born October 27, 1941 in Harlingen, Texas to Joseph H. Osborn, Jr. and Agnes Mae Wilson. Jo Ella grew up in San Antonio, Texas, attending St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School, Providence High School, and Our Lady of the Lake University majoring in English. Jo Ella entered and ministered within Congregation of Divine Providence prior to leaving to complete both a master’s and doctoral degree in American Civilization (emphasis on the American Colonial period) at the University of Texas at Austin.

Jo Ella met and married John R. Doggett during her studies at the University of Texas at Austin; they were married 37 years before his death in 2006.

Jo Ella enjoyed varied positions in teaching, business analysis, editing, and technical writing before her parish ministry led her to pursue Clinical Pastoral Education and a master’s in Pastoral Studies, with certification by the National Association of Catholic Chaplains as a certified chaplain. Jo Ella served as a chaplain at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, and CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health System in San Antonio.

Jo Ella studied Spanish at the (then) Mexican American Cultural Center in San Antonio and also taught Spanish language classes there.

Jo Ella came to chaplaincy after a long and accomplished time of study and work. She had a master’s and doctoral degree in American Civilization and worked in varied teaching, business analysis, editing, and technical writing positions. Volunteer ministry in her parish led her to pursue a master’s degree in Pastoral Studies and CPE training at Loyola University Medical Center, staying on as a staff chaplain for several years. She enjoyed 37 years of marriage with her husband, John. Following his death, Jo Ella came to San Antonio, Texas, to study and eventually teach Spanish at the (now) Mexican American Catholic College. She then worked as a chaplain for CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health System, staying on as a volunteer chaplain in her retirement. She served as a volunteer at the Village of the Incarnate Word, a retirement facility in San Antonio, eventually living and dying there.

Jo Ella was a woman of depth, humility, and joy. She was intelligent, insightful, and adaptable throughout her life journey and her varied occupations and ministry. Her ministry and life were much appreciated by her family and friends; her spirit is fondly remembered.

Jo Ella is predeceased by her father, Joseph H. Osborn, Jr., her mother Agnes Mae Wilson, and her brother, Joseph Osborn, III. She is survived by the Osborn and Doggett families.

A Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. in the Village of the Incarnate Word Chapel, with a reception to follow in the Assembly Room.