Grammy Jo (as she was so affectionately known) was born in Huntington, Arkansas on March 25, 1935 to Cleo and Ethel Thomas. She had two older siblings, Dorothy Juanita and Billie Henry. The family relocated to Garden Grove, California in 1943 where Jo grew up. She graduated from Garden Grove High School and then continued her education at the University of Southern California.
Phala met Bill Boswell when they were 15 years old at a square dance. They fell deeply in love and were never apart until Bill passed away in 2013. They were married on June 13, 1954. It was obvious to anyone that met them, that they were deeply in love every minute of every year that they were together.
They were incredible parents to 3 children, Dennis, Doug and Donna. Jo’s full-time job was her kids until they started school. Jo went to work part time as the administrative director of the English department at Fountain Valley High School and then transferred to Huntington Beach High School.
After 27 years, she retired and became the Administrative Secretary for the California State Athletic Directors Association. She tracked memberships and spent countless hours preparing for their quarterly meetings, fundraisers and most significantly, their annual conference.
Jo and Bill were even better grandparents to Catie, Brian, Cody, Kyle, Sean and Becki. They are also survived by 4 great grandchildren Jackson, Owen, Bode and Chase with two more on the way that Jo would have loved to have met. Family was always the top priority to Jo and Bill. Family vacations were endless to Lake Mead, Bass Lake, Utah snow skiing and of course the 50 consecutive years at Topaz Lake.
Their favorite activity was dancing, and they were just beautiful when they danced together. Other activities they enjoyed included golfing, playing cards, skiing, camping, and traveling. They were fortunate to be able to travel to many parts of the world with family and friends. They really wanted to continually make memories with their loved ones. The only thing they didn’t like was missing one of their grandchildren’s events. They tried to attend EVERY SINGLE event, from sporting competitions to spelling bees. They were amazing!!!
It’s unusual to discuss Phala Jo without mentioning Bill since they were so connected as one being. But every being needs a heart to survive, and Jo was that heart. She could not help herself from pouring out love to everyone she met. She could talk to anyone and win them over in a matter of seconds. And when you got to know her, her love was boundless. She was fun, energetic, positive, and engaging.
Anyone that knew Jo, knew that she was special. No one knew this better than her family. The incredible love that she gave to her family members has influenced our lives forever. Her children have modeled their parenting style after what Grammy Jo taught us by example. Love your family unconditionally and completely. Put the family first ahead of any personal desires or aspirations. Her love was genuine and endless. We are better people and certainly parents because of Grammy Jo.
Grammy Jo will be missed tremendously, but the love that she showed us and taught us will live forever.
