Jo Ann Haile

Born on February 7, 1936, in Winters, Texas, to Buell and Peggy Belew, Jo Ann grew up in Grand Prairie, graduating in 1954.

In 1963, she married her soulmate and true partner in life, Malcolm Haile Jr. Together, they shared 63 beautiful years of marriage, blending their hearts and lives to raise five cherished children. Jo Ann was a brilliant, determined entrepreneur who wasn't afraid to chase big dreams. With Malcolm by her side to help fulfill them, she poured her energy into owning restaurants and H&R Block offices across East Texas and Hawaii for over 40 years.

Yet, for all her success as a businesswoman, Jo Ann’s greatest joy was always her family. She was an extraordinary cook and baker who knew that food tastes best when shared with the people you love. She embraced life with a joyful, adventurous spirit—whether she was dancing, traveling, testing her luck at a casino, or playing lively games of cards and dominoes.

Her favorite moments were the simple ones: quiet holidays surrounded by family and laughing together during breakfast on the barge out on the lake. Jo Ann was the absolute heart of her family. They will forever hold tight to the memory of a woman who was infinitely loving, profoundly compassionate, and a steadfast anchor as a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Waiting to greet her in heaven are her parents, Buell and Peggy; her sister, Jackie Tanner; her sons, Steve Dorsey and Greg Haile; her grandson, Kevin Wallace; and her faithful, furry companion, Scooter.

Her beautiful spirit lives on in her devoted husband, Malcolm Haile; her children, Brenda (Phil), Gary (Kim), and Talia (Jason); her daughter-in-law, Mary-Chris; her sister, Peggy Hopkins; her eight adored grandchildren, Johnny, Kristin, April, Brianne, Errin, Brandon, Joey, and Shea; her nine precious great-grandchildren; and a wide circle of nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends who loved her dearly. In honor of the compassionate care she received, the family kindly asks that donations be made to The Hospice of East Texas in her sweet remembrance.