Jo Ella McMillan

Jo Ella McMillan, 93, of Muleshoe, passed away Thursday, July 20, 2023. Visitation will be from 6 PM to 8 PM on Monday, July 24, 2023. Graveside services will be held at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens at 11 AM on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 with Paul Shero officiating.

Jo took her first breath on September 15,1929 in Concho County to William McDuffy and Lizzie Jo Massey. She grew up on a farm 6 miles from Eola, TX just across the Kickapoo Creek. Jo was fortunate to grow up with a large family of 3 brothers and 7 sisters. Throughout her life, she always talked about how much she loved the farm. Jo attended Eola High school and graduated from the class of 1946. She later moved to San Angelo, Texas and attended Business School. Soon after that, Jo met W.H.(Bill) McMillan. Jo married Bill in San Angelo Texas on November 16, 1948. They were married for 59 years. During that journey together, they were blessed with two children. William Olin was born on November 6,1950 and Melody Ann on October 27,1958. Soon after Olin was born, they moved from San Angelo to Pecos, Texas where they raised their family and retired. In 2006, they moved to Midland, TX. After the passing of Bill and Olin, Jo decided to move close to her daughter, Melody in Muleshoe, TX. Jo was lucky to spend her last years watching 2 of her 3 grandchildren and 3 of her 5 great grandchildren grow up daily. Her joy in life was visiting with family and watching them grow. Jo took her last breath with a smile on her face while visiting with her daughter Melody. She lived a very full life that we as a family want to celebrate.

Jo can be remembered for her passion for cooking and entertaining. Her most famous dish was her Chile Enchiladas. She loved hosting Christmas at her house and inviting all that could attend to celebrate together. Jo also loved to fish. Bill and Jo took many trips to the lake with friends and later in their retirement bought a lake house where they as a family spent many vacations together. Many hours at the lake house were spent laughing together and playing Wahoo. Jo also loved to dance and laugh. Jo will always be remembered for her spunky personality. She had a passion for life and always had something uplifting to say.

Jo was preceded in death by her parents, William McDuffy and Lizzie Jo Massey, Her husband, Bill McMillan, Son, Olin McMillan, 7 siblings: Janice Kelley, Thelma Ellis, Harrold Massey, Judy Buie, Wilma Breen, Melton Massey, and June Steebeck.

Jo is survived by her 3 siblings Jean Millsap, Marvin Massey and Doris Taylor, 1 daughter: Melody Thomason and husband Vince, daughter in law, Jackie McMillan, 3 grandchildren: Bryce Thomason and wife Leigh, Brittany Bowley and husband Bryce, and Jennifer Drummond and husband Mike, 5 great grandchildren: Madigan Drummond, Macey Drummond, Riley Thomason, Brody Bowley, and Brett Bowley.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a memorial donation in Jo’s name to Meals on Wheels in Muleshoe, Tx. The family also like to thank those who helped care with Jo in the last years of her life. You all were very special to Jo and her family.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com for the McMillan family.