Lillian Jo McAlister

Lillian Jo Ashworth McAlister, born September 28, 1925 in Commerce, TX to Joseph Wheeler and Gertrude Lillian Hackney Ashworth, died June 14, 2026 in Dallas, TX. Jo received her B.S. degree from East Texas State University.

As a child growing up on the family farm, she learned the meaning of hard work. She always attributed hard work and eating fresh farm vegetables to her living to be 100 years old. Jo married her high school sweetheart, Glen, during World War II. Shortly after the war, they moved to San Antonio, TX. Jo’s career began at Whittier Middle School teaching English, computer literacy and typing for over 25 years. Jo was a member of First Baptist Church of San Antonio for over 65 years serving as a member of the Sanctuary Choir for 60 years, Sunday School teacher, piano player for the Children’s Choir, loyal participant of the annual Wolfson House on 4th Arts and Craft Show. She was also a member at Alamo City Baptist Church. Jo also had a successful cosmetic business for 50 years. She loved puzzles and dominoes, sharing her famous peanut brittle and pumpkin rolls that were always in high demand and making her scrubbies for friends and relatives. Jo was the family travel agent for memorable trips and last, but not least, she always took time to go along with her loving husband on fishing trips when his buddies were busy.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Glen E. McAlister, by her parents Joseph Wheeler and Gertrude Lillian Ashworth; by her daughter, Carol Cate and son-in-law, Freddy Cate.

She is survived by her son, Bill and wife Phoebe McAlister of Rowlett, TX; grandchildren Jason and wife April Cate of Southlake, TX; Blake and wife Lauren McAlister of Richardson, TX; Ryan and wife Sarah McAlister of Greenville, SC; step-grandchildren Chris and wife Lisa Cate of Carrollton, TX and Shannon and husband Chris Maniloff of The Holly Lake Ranch, TX; great-grandchildren Kyle and wife Allie Cate of Midlothian, TX, Jack Cate, Drew and Camden Cate, Dani and husband Nathaniel Steadman of The Colony, TX, Morgan Maniloff, Hudson and Logan McAlister, Lillian and Michael McAlister; and great great-grandchildren Adrienne and Bauer Cate.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held later this summer. Memorial Gifts may be given to the First Baptist Church TV Ministry, 515 McCullough, San Antonio, TX 78215.