Jo Ann McDaniel's Obituary
Jo Ann McDaniel was born Whitten Arkansas on February 19, 1934, to James Feeny and Frances Twiner Feeny. She was born premature and wasn't supposed to survive. The Lord had plans for her. Jo Ann joined her 2 older sisters on the farm. Sister Alma was 14 years older, and Sister Jane was 18 months older. Jo Ann was a pretty redhead girl with a lot of cats.
JoAnn graduated in 1952 from Wilson High School, went to college in Arkansas and received her teaching certificate.
She married Lee McDaniel in 1952. Two years later they welcomed their son James.
Jo Ann taught 3rd grade for 5 years in Arkansas. On a visit to see Auntie in Arkansas, niece Cindy (Jane's oldest daughter) went to Joann's classroom and remembered seeing large, pickled jars lined up on shelves with snakes in them. Cindy didn't want to go back!
One day in 1963, Jo Ann called her sister Jane, who lived in Lewisville, and told her if she found a job for Lee they would move to Texas. Jane cut out the help wanted ads and mailed it the very next day. Lee found a job; they moved to Texas and they bought the house across the street for sister Jane.
Jo Ann and Lee still live there!
JoAnn went to work for Lakeland Elementary teaching 3rd grade. She taught first grade for 1 year and taught 3rd grade for 30 years.
Besides teaching, she was a seamstress, crocheter, dessert maker, and fruit and vegetable canner. After retirement, she added cross stitching, pottery, cake baker and quilting. A very busy lady.
JoAnn quilted or cross stitched many baby blankets for many babies.
She was an active member in her churches and in the Lewisville community.
JoAnn was a wife, mother, teacher sister, daughter, aunt, great aunt and a great great aunt, and a humble witness for the Lord.
The Lord called Jo Ann home on February 8th, 2025. She was 90 years old.
Survivors include husband Lee of 73 years, son James, many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, great great nephews and my friends and neighbors.
What’s your fondest memory of Jo Ann?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jo Ann?
Share a story where Jo Ann's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jo Ann you’ll never forget.
How did Jo Ann make you smile?
