Jo Ann Owens

Jo Ann Owens November 10, 1934 – September 21, 2025 Jo Ann "Jo" Johnson Owens, age 90, went to be with the Lord on September 21, 2025. Born in San Antonio, Texas, on November 10, 1934, she was the beloved daughter of Ollie Johnson and Ludie Mae Johnson. A lifelong resident of Alamo City, Jo graduated from Harlandale High School in 1952 and continued her education at Durham Business College. In the summer of 1953, Jo met her future husband, William "Bill" Owens, on a blind date at a softball game in San Pedro Park. They were married on November 5, 1955, at the chapel on Lackland Air Force Base, which has since been replaced by a hospital. While working as a secretary at Lackland, Jo pursued her education through night classes at San Antonio College, completing 60 credit hours. She then commuted by bus to the University of Texas at Austin twice a week, earning her bachelor's degree in education in August 1966. Jo went on to serve as Head Elementary Librarian and Librarian Coordinator for Harlandale ISD for six years. During this time, she also earned her master's degree in education from Our Lady of the Lake University. Jo was deeply committed to her profession and community. She held lifetime memberships in the Texas State Teachers Association, National Education Association, Texas Library Association, and Texas PTA. She was a proud member of the Epsilon Beta Chapter of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International since 1975. Her dedication extended beyond her career. For 43 years, Jo volunteered as a librarian at Manor Baptist Church, Woodland Baptist Church, and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. In honor of her service, Woodland Baptist Church renamed its library the Owens / (Jean) Flynn Library upon her retirement. Jo and Bill shared a love for travel, visiting all 50 states and 57 countries. They also enjoyed reading and attending San Antonio Spurs games. Jo was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Owens; her parents, R. Ollie and Ludie Mae Johnson; her brother, Mervyn Johnson; her sister, Luvina Stuart; and nephews Robert Stuart Sr., Joyce Koontz, Victor Ralph Stuart Jr., and Edward Stuart. She is survived by her nephew, Mervin O. Johnson Jr., and great-nephews and nieces: Bobby Stuart, Victor E. Stuart, Tammy Becka, Jesse Stuart, and Ashley Stuart Calame. Jo Ann Owens will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her devotion to education, and the warmth she shared with everyone she met. Services Visitation will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, October 2, 2025, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North, 3401 Cherry Ridge Dr. Interment will follow at San Fernando Cemetery #3. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Woodland Baptist Church, 15315 Huebner Rd., San Antonio, TX 78248.