Johanna Hayes Yanity

Johanna Hayes Yanity, affectionately known as Mama Jo by some and Jo Jo by others, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at the age of 94.

She was born on April 1, 1931, in Waterford, Ireland. She was the youngest of 8 children. When Johanna was 7 years old, she lost her father, James, from health complications from the war leaving her mother, Annie, a widow to raise 8 children. As a devout Irish Catholic, Johanna spent most of her time as a young child and teen at the Sisters of Mercy convent where she received guidance in her school studies as well as religious instruction that formed the foundation of how she lived her life. She honored God and never missed an opportunity to share the word of Jesus Christ with whomever she met.

There was very little to offer a young, bright girl in Waterford, Ireland in the 1940's, so, to build a better life for herself, she left Ireland at the age of 16 and crossed the shore to England. With little education and work experience, she started working in the service industry in many capacities. Her fondness for the TV series, Downton Abbey caused her to reminisce as it brought back many memories when she served as an Irish servant to the English aristocrats.

During her travels throughout England, she moved to Swindon and worked as a waitress at a breakfast counter at Burderop Park A.F.B. A young American Italian serviceman would go by the counter every morning to have breakfast and found himself quite smitten by the stunning black haired, blue eyed Irish girl who waited on him. In a very brief romance, Johanna married Bernard Yanity on September 4, 1954, in Swindon, England. Their life together in the military began where they traveled the world, served 22 years and raised their 4 children. After Bernard retired from the armed services in 1972, Johanna, along with her family, moved to Castroville, TX to embark on her next journey.

Johanna always had a heart to serve and she adored children. Coming from a large family with many nieces and nephews, she enjoyed caring for them and watching them prosper. As more mothers began entering the work force in the 1970's, she immediately recognized a need for childcare in Castroville. With a caring heart and a spirit to serve, she opened her first daycare business in 1973; the first of its kind ever in Castroville. In a short period of time her home was full of children, a full-time staff and a waiting list for vacancies. She was her happiest when she took care of these children and spoke fondly of them often. Once her daycare business closed, her desire to continue to serve children did not stop. She became actively involved teaching bible study for 25 years to the children at First Baptist Church in Castroville. Not only did she gain a better understanding of the bible which she personally yearned for, she was able to share her love and joy of Jesus Christ. Her influence in their lives and ours as a devoted Mother, Grandmother, and loving caretaker will not be forgotten and her presence in the community will be sorely missed.

Johanna is survived by her four children and their spouses, 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; son, Kevin Yanity and wife Dinah, their children, Lauren Yanity Costley and Joshua Yanity and grandchildren Camryn Costley, Jordan Costley, Miles Yanity, and Waylon Yanity; daughter, Shavawn Yanity Carlson and husband J.R., children ,Ryan Schuchart (Kirsten) and Shane Schuchart (Andrea) and grandchildren, Jonah Schuchart, Rocco Schuchart, Peyton Schuchart, Jett Schuchart, and Levi Schuchart; son, Michael Yanity and wife Fran, their children, Keenan Yanity (Meagan), Toni Yanity Harwig (Michael), Alexandra Prouse (Mick), London and Leighton Yanity and grandchildren, Gillian Yanity, Sadie Harwig, Ava Jo Yanity, Hudson Harwig, and June Harwig; daughter, Sue Yanity Straughan and husband Darrin, and their children, Jake Straughan, Taylor Canfield Conrad (Jackson), Riley Canfield (fiancé Zac Isaacks), Sarah Straughan, Jack Canfield (Alexa), and Sam Straughan (Kaitlin) and grandchildren, Ryan Nicholson, Jett Elkins, Bane Straughan, Navy Conrad, and Hadyn Straughan along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Johanna is preceded in death by her parents, James Hayes and Annie Connors Hayes; brothers, Billy Hayes, Mickey Hayes, Jimmy Hayes, and Christopher Hayes (Christie); sisters, Anastacia Hayes Hodgers, Nancy Hayes Marks, Maggie Hayes; father of her children, Bernard Yanity; and grandson, Trenton Yanity.

Services for Johanna will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in La Coste, TX.

May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warmly upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. www.tondre-guinn.com