Jo Ann Stevenson

Jo Ann was born June 5, 1930 in Wichita, Kansas and grew up in Ponca City, Oklahoma. She graduated with honors from Oklahoma State University in 1952 where she was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta social sorority. In 1951, she married her childhood sweetheart, Robert D. Stevenson, a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, at Fort Benning, Georgia. They had three children: Robert, George and Sarah. After Brigadier General Stevenson retired in 1975, they moved to Arlington, Texas. The couple divorced in 1984. Jo Ann retired as secretary to the Associate Dean at the Graduate School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Arlington, after 15 years.

Throughout seasons of her life, Jo Ann had many interests and hobbies. She was an international traveler who visited numerous countries including Germany, Spain, Costa Rica, Morocco, and Greece. She was a champion bowler and avid bridge player. She was a lifelong fan of the opera and symphony. She loved reading and highly recommended titles such as Gone with the Wind and any Robert B. Parker novel. She enjoyed fine dining and a full-bodied red wine. For good luck, her tradition was to watch the Sound of Music every New Year’s Eve.

Survivors include: Former husband, Robert D. Stevenson and wife Lois of Granbury, Texas; Son, Robert T. Stevenson and wife Roberta of Saint Petersburg, Florida; Son, George of Gilmer, Texas; Daughter, Sarah and husband Christopher of Vancouver, Canada; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Honoring her request, Jo Ann will be cremated with no funeral or memorial service. Instead, the family suggests raising a glass with friends to toast in celebration of her life. If you are moved to donate in her memory, please support your local Alzheimer’s Foundation, Dementia Society, or the Children’s Make a Wish Foundation.