Jo Ann Owen (1939-2024)

The kindest little lady around. All who crossed Jo Ann's path knew of her warmth, hugs, laugh and her deep care for loved ones. Ever the charming conversationalist, she would find herself talking with just about anybody and putting them at ease.

Jo Ann Owen 85, of Dallas, TX, died peacefully and pain free from cancer on July 13, 2024.

She was born Oct 1, 1939, in Corpus Christi. TX. Her mother was Juanita Richardson, and her stepfather was Carl Leach. She had two half-brothers, Jimmy and Mike, and was a loving big sister to them both. During childhood, her family moved around quite a bit due to her stepfather's work as a commercial airline pilot. That said, they always happened to live in the great state of Texas. She adored the Lone Star State and was a true Texan through and through.

Jo Ann's school years were mainly spent in the Dallas area. She graduated from Irving High School before pursuing her education degree at East Texas State Teachers College. She put herself through university by shoe modeling as well as participating in beauty pageants, winning titles as well as being a finalist in the prestigious Miss Dallas Pageant. After graduation, she taught 3rd grade in the Dallas School District for several years. Always on the go and an entrepreneur at heart, she eventually ended up managing commercial real estate as well as becoming owner and manager of the pro shop at T Bar M Racquet Club.

It was at T Bar M that she met her loving husband, Jim Owen. They realized quickly they had much in common, got along easily, laughed a lot and even discovered they traveled to a foreign country at the same time in their pasts. They married on September 24, 1994, and celebrated their union with family and friends at the Bonaventure in Dallas, TX. After the wedding, they bought a home together and raised two children there. She loved the home and felt most comfortable there, with her family.

Jo Ann loved animals, and she never met a dog or cat she didn't like. She was an excellent cook, especially with her "Fat Mama's recipes." She was a loving wife and mother. She loved to travel but was an equally cozy homebody, too. Although she was not aligned with any particular church, she was a true believer in Christ. She was a devout Christian who enjoyed visiting many churches, meeting new people and hearing the word from different perspectives.

Jo Ann was preceded in death by her mother Juanita, stepfather Carl, brother Jimmy as well as her favorite Aunt Billie. She is survived by her husband Jim Owen, her brother Mike Leach, her daughter Jennifer Leiva, her children Rosanna and Ryder Owen as well as Jim's adult children Mike, John, Leslie, Audrey and grandchildren Jessica, Emily and Macias.