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In loving memory

Meador Funeral Home – Whitesboro

Visitation –

Sunday, November 7, 2021 – 1:00 PM

Meador Funeral Home

401 Hwy 377 North

Whitesboro, TX 76273

Funeral Service –

Sunday, November 7, 2021 – 2:00 PM

Meador Funeral Home

401 Hwy 377 North

Whitesboro, TX 76273

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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