Jo Gullette's Obituary
Glenda Jo Gullette, known to all as Jo, 78, of Longview, Texas, passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 7, 2026.
She was born on April 24, 1947, in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Jo made her home in Longview, where she built a life centered on family, friends, and faith.
Jo was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She shared 60 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Benny Gullette, who was a loving husband and cherished her greatly. They celebrated their anniversary just five days before her passing—a testament to a lifetime of love and commitment. She was a proud and loving mother to Bryant Gullette (Christine) and Joanne Breaux.
She dedicated 31 years of service to the City of Longview before retiring in 2009, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and dedication. During her time there, she made many lasting friendships and was known for her humor, laughter, and playful antics that brought joy to those around her.
Jo’s pride and joy was her grandchildren, who knew and loved her as Mammaw and were the center of her world: Jordan, Sam, Brooke, and Luke Gullette, and Hailey, Morgan (Oscar), and Katelyn Breaux. She was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Tristan and Truly Jo, who brought her even more happiness. She loved giving gifts to her grandchildren, often starting her Christmas shopping months in advance—and always buying far more than she needed to.
It was not always easy for Jo. She quietly carried a deep sadness, along with anxiety and depression, especially in her later years. It dimmed much of her joy and at times left her feeling as though she had fallen short, even in her faith. But those who knew and loved her never saw that as the true Jo. They understood this was a burden she carried, not a reflection of who she was. In her passing, those closest to her find comfort in believing that this weight has been lifted—that she is now whole, at peace, and free. As John 16:33 reminds us, in this world we will have trouble—but we can take heart, knowing He has overcome the world.
Jo had a deep and abiding Christian faith which guided her life and left a lasting legacy of faith for her family and all who knew her. She was a devoted member of a women’s Bible class for over 40 years, forming a close circle of friends who remained dear to her throughout her life. She was a loyal and true friend, and they could always depend on her to make them laugh. She kept them laughing, but she also brought a thoughtful and serious perspective to their time together. Her Bible class friends still laugh recalling the time years ago when, during communion, the crackers had run out—so Jo simply licked her finger and gathered a few crumbs. They could hardly contain their laughter through the rest of the service. While their circle is momentarily broken, they find comfort in knowing they will one day be reunited, worshiping their God together for eternity. It brings a smile to imagine her now in heaven, reunited with her parents, sister and brothers—perhaps with Jesus cornered, finally getting to the bottom of all those harder-to-understand passages. If we had to guess, she was probably right about a little over half of it!
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ella and Julius Crawford; her infant sister, Mary Ann; and her five brothers, Charles, Reggie, Leroy, Wayne, and Rodney Crawford.
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