Jo Elizabeth Watson Dennis, 82, of Whitesboro, Texas met her Lord and Savior on November 3, 2021. Jo was at home surrounded by family with her husband of 58 years by her side playing his ukulele and singing her home.
Jo was born somewhere between Glenwood and Hot Springs, Arkansas on January 13, 1939. Her parents, Hursel and Leta Mae Watson were on their way to the hospital when Jo arrived a bit early. Jo and her Aunt Ina Jo graduated from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and Jo began her lengthy teaching career working for Taft ISD in south Texas. While there she was set up on a blind date to a Polish wedding that was quite successful. Her blind date was John M. Dennis, her husband for nearly six decades. After leaving south Texas, Jo taught for Denison ISD, Blythe ISD (CA), Hudson ISD (West Covina, CA), Collinsville ISD, Southmayd ISD, and finished her career teaching Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 for Whitesboro ISD. Additionally, she taught math courses at Cooke County Junior College.
Growing up near Hot Springs, Jo developed a love of horse racing. This may also be the place where she learned to cheer for the underdog. As a Dallas Cowboys fan, there were seasons when the ‘Boys didn’t have a chance, but she still rooted for them. The same could be said for the students she taught. Jo had a special way of connecting with all students and making them feel like they could be successful no matter what.She was always cheering for the underdog.
If you knew Jo well, you knew that she was quiet, thoughtful, observant, and an avid reader. She chose her words wisely, and when she spoke, her words were usually spot-on. She was a class act. Jo loved shopping on QVC, drinking Diet Cokes, working daily crossword puzzles (in pen), writing letters, dancing to polka music, checking Facebook, and listening to Willie Nelson.
Her grandchildren called her Grandma Jo, and they loved the fact that she would eat her Raisin Bran in the morning with Blue Bell vanilla ice cream instead of milk. Grandma Jo especially loved watching her children’s and grandchildren’s activities.
Jo was proceeded in her death by her parents and her brother, Don Watson.
She is survived by her husband, John Dennis; four children, Whit Dennis of Whitesboro, Texas, Jeffrey & Vicki Dennis of Red Oak, Texas, Jason & Sundee Dennis of Spring Branch, Texas and Johnna Beth Dennis of Wimberley, Texas; ten grandchildren, Kayla Beth Kainer, Chasta Pierce, Jaxom Price, TJ Harris, Jeffrey Harris, Trevor Harris, Travis Dennis, Hayden Dennis, Korbin Dennis and Larklin Dennis; and three great-grandchildren, Cambri Morales, Lyla Beth Kainer, and Davis Kainer. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Janice Dennis Smart of Whitesboro, Texas, Jean Dennis McAden of Wichita Falls, Texas, and Betty Hancock Watson of Glenwood, Arkansas, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Jo was a member of the Sandy Springs Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Sandusky, Texas. She was a member of the West Grayson Retired School Personnel Association, and she played bridge with the same ladies for almost forty years.
On Sunday, November 7th at 1:00 PM, there will be a family visitation at Meador Funeral Home in Whitesboro, Texas. There will be a service that follows at 2:00 PM.
In order to continue Jo’s support of education, donations can be made to the Sandy Springs Cumberland Presbyterian Church – scholarship fund at SSCPC 4803 Pinnacle Place Denison, TX 75021
Sending my love and prayers to all of the family and wishing for strength for the coming days.
Johnna, Charlie and I are so sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sending love.
Keeping all of you in my prayers. I am so blessed to have known this wonderful lady, and her wonderful family. God bless✝️
John, my thoughts and love are with you. Jo was a beautiful soul. Prayers for you and your family.
Praying for the family! John she will certainly be missed! Miss seeing you .
So sorry for the loss of your precious wife. What an inspiration to all of us to be married for as long as you were. May God provide his comfort and peace to you and your family.
Jo, you are a class act and a hard act to follow! Fly high my friend❤️.
Thinking of you and your sweet family.
Such a nice tribute. Sincere condolences for your loss.
Sending our prayers to Jo’s family. May the grace of God give you comfort and peace.
Love from cousins Loujean Morgan, Rosemary Roberts, and Billie Johnson
We will miss Jo so much. You all are in our prayers. We love you all.
Jo was the best. I loved teaching with her and most of all her friendship.
She was a wonderful lady and will be missed by many people and students that she never knew she had influenced. Teachers are special people some more than Others My prayers to John and his family Sandusky and the farm will feel a void without her presence and laughter in
Sending our love! Johnna, you and your family are in our thoughts. We will be sending a small donation to the church in your mother’s honor. Prayers to all!
So sorry for your loss Dennis family. Prayers for you all during this difficult time.
Doni and Tammy Riddle
So sorry to hear about Jo! Always enjoyed when she came into the Cleaners! Sweet lady!
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.Royce Brooks attended with his grandmother Willie Pike the Sandy Springs Church when he was a little boy. Royce went to school at Whitesboro with John. Blessings to you all
Royce and Sherrill Brooks Denison Texas
Very sad to hear of Mrs. Dennis’ passing. She was a good person and will be deeply missed. My deepest condolences.
Our Love and Prayers are with all family & friends .
Ron and Pam Chambers
Mrs. Dennis taught both my wife and myself almost 40 years ago. She was a good teacher. A compassionate, and sweet person. RIP Jo.
Many of us felt we got a picture of who Johnna’s wonderful mother was through the many stories she shared of your family. I am so sorry for your loss. But I am also celebrating a life well lived and knowing you will be reunited with her one day. That is the promise we have in Christ. Hugs to all the family.
She used to come to Red Lobster where I worked for 18 years & request for me to take care of her. Those were special times where I stayed in touch w her. We lost that when I had to retire in 2014.
Sending our love and prayers to you and your family.
Love is eternal. This loving and loved woman”s spirit will be with you, always. You will feel it, you will inbody that love. In fact, you already do.❤️
My love and prayers are with you during this time. I pray for comfort and peace for your family.
I loved sweet Mrs. Jo! Praying for you each of you. I’m so sorry for your loss! Love, Carol
She will be in Heaven with Charlie. I will miss Jo. John our prayers are with you and your family.
John and family,
We are very sorry for your loss. Prayers for all of you during this time. Jo was one of my favorite teachers in high school.
Mitzi, Dalinda and family
Mrs. Dennis (Jo) was an amazing teacher when we were in school. She was an even more amazing mother and friend I have seen, learned and witnessed over the years as we all grew older. She will be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Dennis family members!
Love,
Dee Dee
Sorry for you’ll in your loss. Jo was a great person and friend. I have always enjoyed her great stories especially the cat in the freezer. I always loved you’ll as friends, neighbors, students, and Jo as fellow teacher.
Love ya, Brenda Raley
I grew up with Jo Elizabeth in tiny town of Glenwood, Arkansas. We were in 2nd grade. We went our separate ways. But we renewed our friendship during our retirement. I will miss these gatherings. She was a good friend. I will always cherish our fun times when we were young.
So many wonderful memories of your mom. Prayers and love to you snd your family.
Always enjoyed spending time with Jo when she and John came to Wimberley to visit Johnna.mashed will be missed by many, a lovely lady for sure.
My deepest sympathy, she was a great lady
I’m driving through your old hometown right now Mrs. Dennis. I was a grown man before I realized how much you really taught me. Love you and miss you.
So sorry for your loss . She seemed like a kind hearted lady . Seemed like She was a big influence on a lot of students she taught . I can see Johnna sweet smile in her. May God give you peace and comfort at this time .
John: We send our love and prayers to you and your family. Celebrating Jo’s life will bring you and your family great comfort now and forever.
Cousin Carla and Geoff Davis