Jo Ann Miller's Obituary
Jo Ann passed away peacefully on October 11, 2023. She was born July 14, 1931 in Trinity, Texas to Clarence and Annie Otis. Jo Ann was one of four children, older sister, Dorothy, brother, Robert and younger sister, Virginia.
Jo Ann graduated as Valedictorian from Trinity High School. After graduation, Jo Ann attended Sam Houston State Teachers College in Huntsville.
In 1951, Jo Ann married her sweetheart Alfred Humphrey. In 1968, she graduated from the University of Houston with education degree and began a thirty-year career teaching fifth grade in Houston ISD.
Jo Ann was a member of Garden Oaks Church of Christ in Houston for over 50 years. Every time the church doors were open, Jo Ann was there with her three children. She taught children’s Bible classes on Wednesday nights for many years as well. After Alfred passed away, she became more involved with the Garden Oaks senior group, The Wise Owls and she enjoyed their monthly trips and dinners.
In 1976, Jo Ann became a member of the Eta Delta chapter of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, a women’s educator honor society. When she moved to Longview, she became a member of the Kappa Mu chapter. She treasured the friendships she developed through Delta Kappa Gamma.
Jo Ann had been a widow for six years when she married Bill Miller, a longtime friend and Garden Oaks church member. Bill passed away in 1999 and even though their time was short, they shared happy days together.
Jo Ann moved to Longview in 2012 to be closer to her daughter, Jan. She quickly made many good friends at Pine Tree Church of Christ and enjoyed volunteering every Monday at Caring and Sharing, attending Ladies Bible Class and playing cards every Thursday with her “game group”.
Jo Ann is survived by a son, Jerry and wife, Vicki of Trinity, Texas, two daughters, Karen and husband, Rodney Sauer, of Fredericksburg, Texas and Jan and husband, Leonard Riley Jr., of Longview, one granddaughter, Alaina Riley Mercer and three grandsons, Leonard Riley III and wife, Andrea, Carter Sauer and Cullen Sauer and two great granddaughters, Adelina and Amelia Riley.
A Celebration of Jo Ann’s life will be held Wednesday, October 18, 2023 with visitation at 10:30 and service at 11:00 at the Pine Tree Church of Christ. Graveside services will be held at a later date at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Trinity, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to Caring and Sharing or the Missions Ministry at Pine Tree Church of Christ, 3221 Dundee Rd. Longview, TX 75604 or the charity of your choice.
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