Jo Ann Whitfield, beloved wife, mom, grandmother, great-grandmom, and friend, passed away on Monday, January 22, 2024, at the age of 91. She was surrounded and survived by family who love her dearly. She is now resting with our Lord Jesus and reunited with her husband, Bill Whitfield, the love of her life.
Jo Ann was the beloved daughter of Ray Miller and Nettie Lauderdale Miller. Jo Ann was born in Waxahachie, Texas on January 29, 1932. Jo Ann was an only child, so she didn’t have any siblings, but she had cousins that she loved dearly and felt greatly blessed by.
Jo Ann was introduced to the love of her life, Bill Whitfield, on Christmas vacation of 1948. One of her friends set Jo Ann and Bill up on a blind date. Jo Ann thought Bill was the most handsome thing she had ever seen. She loved his thick black hair. And Bill likewise thought Jo Ann was the prettiest thing he’d ever seen. He loved everything he saw about her. Bill always said when he met Jo Ann, he knew she was the one for him.
Jo Ann and Bill were married on April 29, 1950, and remained happily married for over 71 years! It was a wonderful lifelong partnership. Jo Ann and Bill had two daughters, Denise Rose and Michele Cox.
When it came to school, Jo Ann was a smart little girl who did very well. Her teachers advanced her one year and then a second. Jo Ann graduated from Waxahachie High School at the age of 16. From there, Jo Ann began her college career at North Texas Agricultural College (today known as UT Arlington) but after two years put her pursuit of a degree on hold to marry Bill. Education was always important to Jo Ann so in her 50’s, she returned to complete her bachelor’s degree at Texas Tech University and then continued on to receive her Masters from Texas Tech as well.
For many years, Jo Ann worked as an administrative assistant at various companies including Elanco and Texas Instruments. Upon receiving her Masters, Jo Ann went to work for the Lubbock Children’s Home as their PR person and head of fundraising. After relocating to McKinney, Texas, her husband Bill became a City Councilman and then Mayor of McKinney with Jo Ann by his side, running his campaigns, writing his speeches, and organizing events. Jo Ann and Bill loved McKinney, Texas and were so proud to be McKinney-ites.
Jo Ann was a lover of games. Whether it be board games, card games, dominos, she loved them all. She loved the playing of the games, the competition, and she loved winning. But she didn’t have to win to have fun. She just dearly loved the camaraderie and the challenge. Her favorite games included Bridge and Scrabble.
Jo Ann also loved traveling, especially traveling with friends and family. She had a strong knack for organization. She loved throwing parties and orchestrating get togethers.
Jo Ann’s greatest love was God. She loved studying scripture and going to Bible Study Fellowship and church. Jo Ann and Bill were members of High Pointe Church and Jo Ann continued to be a member at High Pointe after Bill’s passing.
Jo Ann was blessed in many ways over the years. She would say her greatest blessing of all was her Savior, Jesus Christ, followed by her wonderful husband, Bill, and being the mom of their two girls, and Momma Jo to their grand and great-grandchildren.
Jo Ann was preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband, Bill Whitfield. Jo Ann is survived by her eldest daughter Denise Rose and husband John; her other daughter Michele Cox and husband Gary; her grandson, Christopher Cox and wife Kilee and daughter Hannah and son Judah; and her granddaughter, Calli Leighton and husband Michael and soon-to-be baby boy Leighton.
There are many who have considered Jo Ann as a second mother, and she has always been honored to be regarded as such. Jo Ann will always be remembered for her contagious personality, tremendous energy, and the love she had for others.
A memorial service will be held in honor of Jo Ann on Monday, January 29 at the High Pointe Church located at 3201 N. Central Expressway in McKinney, Texas, 75071. A visitation will precede the service and will run from 11:30am-1:00pm. Viewing will be from 11:30-noon only. The memorial service will begin at 1:00. A graveside service at Pecan Grove cemetery will immediately follow.
The memorial service will be livestreamed and can be viewed using the following link: https://hp.church/media/watch-live
Gifts in lieu of flowers may be made in Jo Ann’s memory to:
Habitat for Humanity of Collin County
habitatcollincounty.org
The Samaritan Inn of McKinney
saminn.org
Pointe Academy
3201 N. Central Expressway
McKinney, Texas 75071