JoAnn Allen Means' Obituary
A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. Jo Ann Allen Means passed away peacefully on the morning of Wednesday, August 20, 2020. She was a caring daughter, supportive sister and aunt, nurturing mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. As a trailblazer in her family, Jo Ann moved to Dallas at the age of 24 with her first child (Derrick Allen) to start out on a better life of her own. Jo Ann was cut from a different cloth! Only a woman with as Big of a Heart as she, could serve as a homemaker for so many years forming lasting bonds. “Jo”, as she was often affectionately called, was born On Friday, January 26, 1924 to Mr. Robert & Mrs. Helen Allen of Corsciana, TX. Those who knew her or perhaps only spent a few moments can tell you Jo was a profound story-teller. She loved to recall the precious moments spent on her daddy’s farm, playing in the grove with her brother Sam, and their family’s beautiful Clydesdale horses. Jo Ann worked hard during her years as she transitioned to life in Dallas, and her hard work never went un-noticed by her employers. Through patience, perseverance, and strong faith, she beat the odds and moved her family to North Dallas into the home she would raise her now three children, Derrick, Debra, & Melody.
While living in Dallas, she made several life-long friends. Through her Friday night Spades parties, Mable, Hester, Thelma, and Dorothy were a force to be reckoned with. Jo’s place was always warm and welcoming, certainly the house to find comfort. She took care of all her family, friends, and even the friends they brought along. One would never go hungry because you were always "home". Her hospitality and warmth carried through many decades as “Jo”, became “Granny”.
Granny loved all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. But as anyone could tell you, her boys were her heart. Granny wasn’t just our granny, she was your granny, and everyone else’s. Once you came over, you were expected to return and would get a phone call asking when you’re coming by (with a Coke and a Burger)? In short, she was a God-fearing woman and full of wisdom. She taught us to remember our elders, love one-and-other, keep our history as strong black men and women in the fore-fronts of our minds. Granny lived a FULL, HAPPY, BLESSED life! She lived through The Great Depression, Segregation, Jim Crow, The Civil Rights Movement, Y2K, and saw our first Black President!!!
Granny will be sorely missed, but she has left us with many fond memories, and a strong legacy.
Jo Ann leaves to cherish her precious memories her two daughters Debra Greene, Melody Hawkins (Charles Hawkins)
Grandchildren : Derrick (Rita), Ellanora(Keith), Layonda Banks, William Greene, Charles Hawkins, Katasha Hawkins.
Great-grand children: Robert, BriAnna, Jacoby, Chauncey, Triniti, Kameron, Jaylen, Tatiana, Amarie, baby Tru, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Jo Ann was proceeded in death by her parents: Robert and Helen Allen. Siblings Mae Ellanora, Johnnie Mae, Gerald, Ezra Lee, and Sam. Her son Derrick Lane Allen, and Great-Grand child Kaleb Charles Hawkins.
To view livestream of the service, please visit: http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/35949
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