Jo Ann Stanley's Obituary
Jo Ann Stanley went to be with her Lord on October 10, 2024. Born in 1930 to Ross and Allie Moon in Ponder, Texas, Jo Ann was raised in a rural setting alongside her six siblings: Melvena, Lois, James Ross, Boyd, Emma Jean, and Shirley. At the age of 17, she boldly left farm life to attend St. Paul Nursing School in Dallas, where she became a registered nurse in 1950.
Shortly thereafter, Jo Ann met and married Henry Grady Stanley, the man with whom she would share the next 64 years of her life. Together, they built a loving home in Dallas, raising four children: Steve, Cynthia, Gary, and Daryl. As faithful members of Casa Linda Methodist Church, they fostered deep friendships and encouraged their children to be active in youth activities. She even served as a youth mission trip sponsor into Mexico where she had the opportunity to use her nursing skills and help share the message of Jesus to the residents there. Jo Ann, an excellent homemaker and nurse, was always quick to open her home to the youth group and other church activities.
Jo Ann and Grady were an active couple, regularly attending a square dancing club and thoroughly enjoying travel. They made annual trips to visit Grady’s family in Georgia and attended the annual convention of Bataan Death March survivors, of which Grady was one, in Fontana, North Carolina. Jo Ann and Grady even traveled to the Philippines to retrace the steps taken during the infamous Death March and frequented Dan Dipert Tours where they explored Europe and other locations, delighting in learning about different cultures. In their later years, they were honored guests at the annual commemorative Bataan Death March endurance event held at the White Sands Missile Range. Jo Ann, proud of her husband’s sacrifice and courage during World War II, was faithful to help document his experiences and compiled a biography about the hardships he endured.
Jo Ann was a loving mother, grandmother of five, and great-grandmother to fourteen. She kept a closet filled with old square dance costumes where her granddaughters delighted in playing dress-up. After building and moving to a home overlooking Lake Ray Hubbard in 1973, they became members of Saint Phillips Methodist Church and then later First Rowlett United Methodist Church, where they continued to expand their community of friends. Jo Ann, “Grandma” to her grandkids, was an excellent cook and her kitchen often bore the aroma of her freshly cooked bread and twice stuffed baked potatoes. She even purchased special dishes with edges that curved upward so that her hungry boys could load up their plates to the brim with her delicious cooking. Tragically, in December 2015, a tornado ripped through their home, destroying almost all they owned and narrowly sparing their lives. Sadly, Jo Ann lost her dear husband six days later. Despite declining health in the years since the tornado, Jo Ann continued to enjoy the company of family and friends.
Jo Ann is survived by her children, Steve Stanley, Cynthia Pate and her husband Fred, Gary Stanley, and Daryl Stanley; her grandchildren, Robyn Kennedy, Amy Callahan, James Stanley, Leslie Robbins and Kelsey Lepley; her great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews and nieces.
Jo Ann’s life was a testament to love, resilience, and dedication. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. A graveside service open to the public will be held to honor her life and legacy on 1 p.m. October the 17th, 2024 at Restland Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her honor to Living Alternatives, P.O. Box 131466, Lindale, TX 75713–1466.
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