Jo Neill Duran

Jo Neill Duran "Momma Jo", 85, of De Leon, Texas, passed away Saturday, September 28, 2013 in De Leon, after a long illness. Jo was born February 18, 1928, in Brachfield, Texas, to Floyd Milton Neill and Birdie Bearden Neill. She graduated from Henderson High School and Business School in Tyler. She worked her whole life at being the best mother and grandmother, and periodically through the years worked in the banking industry. Jo moved to De Leon in 2008 from Henderson, Texas, where she had lived for over 30 years. She was a member of De Leon First United Methodist Church. In her earlier years, she was very active in the United Methodist Women ministry, having served as UMW President in Henderson for 9 years. Jo was a faithful servant to her church and to her Lord serving as a teacher in UMW and Sunday School for all of her adult life. Jo enjoyed reading, gardening, playing bridge and traveling, especially with her sisters. Her greatest joys in life were her family and her little dog, Sophie. She was immensely proud of her children and grandchildren and loved hosting large family gatherings. Laughter abounded wherever Jo went. She was a kind, happy soul, and gave love to all she met. She is survived by her sons, Mike Duran and wife, Lynne, of San Antonio, Pat Duran and wife, Petra, of San Marcos; daughters, Tresa Gilbert and husband, John, of De Leon and Christie Olivella of Henderson; grandchildren, Karlie Duran, Elizabeth Fernie, Amber Bunton, Jonathan Gilbert, Adam Hampton, Joshua Hampton, Jacob Patterson, Dylan Duran and Maya Duran; 9 great-grandchildren; her sisters, Alta Leath and Ann Minor, both of Waco; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and other extended family. Graveside funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 1, 2013, in Rusk County Memorial Gardens in Henderson, Texas, under the direction of Nowlin Anders Funeral Home of De Leon. Brother Freeman Pierce will officiate the service. The family will receive friends for visitation from 12:00-2:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Rader Funeral Home, 800 Kilgore Drive, Henderson, Texas 75652. Memorial donations may be made to the Dementia Care Foundation, 69531 213th Street, Darwin, MN. 55324-6602, or to the charity of your choice, in memory of Jo. Condolences may be offered online at www.nowlinandersfh.com

Jo Neill Duran

February 18, 1928 - September 28, 2013