Jo Phillips Clover

October 7, 1937 - February 15, 2016
Jo Phillips Clover passed away on Monday February 15, 2016. She was beloved by her family, and many, many friends, throughout the world, and specifically in San Antonio, her home for the past 33 years.

Her death was caused by a long second bout with cancer, which she courageously battled, with the assistance of great doctors. This battle lasted for over six years during which she never cried or complained and with great humor and strength carried on with her daily routine and obligations.

She was an inspiring example to all of how to endure great difficulty with dignity and grace.

Jo was born in Charlottesville Virginia, the child of Thomas Joseph Phillips and Pearl Kennedy Phillips, in the shadow of Monticello, (Thomas Jefferson's home) at a wonderful, innocent time in our history. Growing up was a pleasure in Charlottesville. Jo was a popular girl during her school years participating in The Hi-Y Club and Girls Activity Council. She was a guide at Monticello. She was an active member of Holy Comforter Catholic Church. Jo graduated from Lane High School, and worked locally at State Farm Insurance Company and in medical research at the University of Virginia prior to being married in a Catholic ceremony to Williston H. Clover. In Charlottesville Jo was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority and was active in a busy social life.

A few years after their marriage Jo and Bill moved to Williamsburg, Virginia, where she was one of the first technicians to work with the new computer age at William and Mary College. In Williamsburg she was very active in the Williamsburg Community Hospital, serving on the volunteer board and heading the Candy Stripers program for young women. They lived in Williamsburg for 11 years, and she relished living in the cradle of American democracy. It is said that there are still claw marks on Duke of Gloucester Street, from when Jo Clover was dragged out of Williamsburg.

Her husbands business took Jo to Washington and New York. In Washington she was a popular hostess, and in New York decorated a hotel she partially owned. Jo loved New York and the action there at a time when New York was a much simpler and less expensive spot. Washington was always interesting and active.

Another move was in store for Jo when the business was sold and the couple moved to Mexico to consult to the Mexican Government developing Cancun. For seven years Jo travelled throughout Mexico and although based in Mexico City where she had many friends in the large American community, loved the growing tourism areas, especially Cancun, and Puerto Vallarta.

After an initial successful bout with cancer, Jo and Bill then moved to San Antonio, Texas, her home for thirty-three years. She worked in the family business organizing travel for company executives in resort consulting and development business. Jo enjoyed travel to many parts of the world, but particularly loved the Caribbean, and Europe. In England she became an Anglophile, and loved France and Spain.

In the latter years of her life in San Antonio, Jo became focused and dedicated a great deal of time and love to the Assistance League of San Antonio. She served as an officer of this worthwhile organization, and was active on every level.

Jo had many friends, no enemies, and always carried a wonderful smile, sparkling eyes, a quick wit and good will to all she met in her rich life.

Jo Phillips Clover is survived by her husband of 55 years Williston H. Clover, two brothers, William Phillips and his wife Betty Phillips, Thomas Phillips and his wife Thelma, two nephews, Michael Phillips and Joe Phillips, Two Nieces Jane Denise Neesham and Melissa Fitzgerald; three cousin's in Charlottesville; six Phillip's grand nieces and grand nephews, and grand nephew's Kenneth Neesham, and Phillip Neesham in San Antonio.

Jo also leaves Cecile Clover of Charlottesville, Christopher Clover and wife Jovita, of Marbella Spain, and Sally Clover Lea and husband David, of Montserrat, West Indies together with six nephews and one niece.

Jo leaves many friends worldwide. In San Antonio her multitude of friends have admired her strength, her great sense of humor, and her ability to convey peace and comfort to everyone she encountered. Their condolences are many, but the memories wonderful.

There will be a Celebration of the Life of Jo Phillips Clover, at a date to be announced. Jo specifically requested that a joyous party be given in her honor rather than a somber funeral.

The family extends their gratitude to the talented medical staff headed by Dr. Amy Lang, for extending Jo's life without pain, and to Embrace Hospice, for superior quality care, and to the kind and generous Margaret Childress.

In lieu of flowers, Jo's family asks that donations be made to: The Assistance League. of San Antonio, P.O. Box 13130, San Antonio, Texas 78213-0130.