Jo Ann Blackmon

Jo Ann was born in Richmond, Texas on July 5, 1939, to Walter and Ann Severin. She was the second born of three children. When she was a young child, her family lived in a house not far from the Brazos River near the river bridge.

They later moved into Rosenberg where she attended school and graduated from Lamar High School. Afterward, she enrolled in Business School and was hired at Johnston Testers. Shortly after graduation Jo Ann met Tom, following a whirlwind six week romance they married.

After she gave birth to the first of two daughters, she became a stay-at-home Mom. Most family called her Jo Ann but as an adult she became known as Jo. Anyone who knew her would agree she was a very friendly, sweet and talkative person. Jo loved caring for others, doing arts and crafts, gardening, reading and sewed a lot of the girls’ clothing.

She was a good cook and cooked every night with the few exceptions when she "forgot" to take meat out of the freezer in time, so the family had to eat out. Mexican and seafood were her favorite meals. Jo also volunteered most years to be her children's school room Mom. She was always prepared for any need of her children or their friends from driving to activities to a Band-Aid, tissue or even a safety pin. She carried everything in her purse.

One of Jo's great loves was becoming a grandmother. Her grandchildren called her "Maw Maw". She loved to get on the floor to play with them. She even gave piggyback rides up the stairs sometimes. She enjoyed helping her daughters by babysitting when needed.

She remained best friends with Betty Lou Nelson all the way from childhood. Jo was loved by many and will be greatly missed. She was preceded in death by both parents, her loving husband Thomas Blackmon (Tom) of almost fifty-two years, and her younger sister Judy Eben. Jo is survived by her daughters; Donna Reed and husband Phil, Sheryl Grant and husband Marc, grandchildren; Eric, Courtney (Cody), Ashley (Sonny), Brittany (Matt), Stephen (Michelle), Heather (Nik), Sarah (Travis), twelve great grandchildren, brother; Sidney Severin, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law and friends.

Those serving as pallbearers are Eric Wright, Stephen Grant, Tristan Braswell, Matt Braswell, Cody Bathe, and Nik Kropf.

Donations to the Breast Cancer Foundation, American Cancer Society or Alzheimer's Association are greatly appreciated.