Jo Anne Hendrix

1942 - 2025

Jo Anne Hendrix, age 83, went home peacefully to be with our Lord October 26, 2025, surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with ALS.
Jo Anne was born September 25, 1942, in Bainbridge, GA and is predeceased by her parents Mary(Minnie) and Leamon Prentiss(LP) Estes, her brother McDonald(Don) Estes and sisters Bobbye Denmark and Betty Fambrough, her niece Nancy Fambrough and great nephew Logan Fambrough.
Jo Anne graduated from Bainbridge High school in 1960, where she was a member of the Honor Society and a cheerleader. She went on to attend Valdosta State University. Jo Anne married Will Hendrix on November 19, 1961. They were married for over 60 years until Will's passing on January 17, 2022.
Jo Anne found great joy in being a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.
She truly embraced Proverbs 31 as scripture describes a Godly wife and mother. She stood by Will and guided and cared for their family no matter where the Lord took them. Jo Anne persevered as an Air Force wife, moving to Las Vegas, England and Louisiana. She patiently waited for Will to return home from Vietnam while caring for 3 year old daughter Julie and pregnant with son Jay. Will's next career with Cummins Inc. took them to Indiana(twice), Colorado(where daughter Lisa was born) and then to Dallas. They finally settled in Austin, Texas in 1979 beginning a new adventure of owning Hendrix GMC and later acquiring Freightliner of Austin.
Throughout her life, Jo Anne supported her family in their interests and joys. She traveled to motocross and enduro motorcycle races, rode on the back of Will's street bikes, and attended dance, choir, theater, sporting and school events. Jo Anne was an avid sports fan keeping current with her favorite teams and activities her family enjoyed - including supercross, football(pro, college and Westlake high school) and the PGA tour.
Jo Anne was involved in several organizations within the Austin community. The groups blessed her with many meaningful and lasting friendships. These include: Westlake women's Bible study for over 35 years, Seton Westlake Guild(president 1991-'92) and Austin Chi Omega Mother's Club, where she also served as president. She was most active with Better ATX(formerly Assistance League of Austin). She joined in 1989 and served in many roles during her time as a member and a sustainer(until 2025) including President 1994-'95. She opened her home to host numerous New Member luncheons and Past President coffees. She particularly loved the projects for clothing children - Operation School Bell and Clothes for Kids. She also enjoyed mentoring young ladies in the scholars program.
Jo Anne's faith in Jesus was lived out most poignantly in her service through each of her church communities. She served as deacon, hosted many youth group events and cared for children in the nursery. As a founding member of All Saints Presbyterian Church in 2003, she humbly served baking communion bread, preparing communion on Sunday mornings, volunteering in the nursery and folding church bulletins(even after her diagnosis).
Jo Anne's love of people and gift for hospitality was an inspiration of tireless work, warmth, a welcoming spirit and full of joy. Her greatest joy was serving others and seeing them happy. She hosted countless holidays, parties and meetings at her house including the All Saints' 50+ group and later adding the Pathfinders(widows group). Her servant's heart always put others first comforting others and bringing joy to their lives whenever she could.
Jo Anne enjoyed Broadway shows, Mexican martinis, keeping up with current events, flowers, watching TV shows -crime, hospital, soap operas, game shows and talent shows. She loved her grand dogs and cats, traveling with her family, swimming with the grandkids, a good grilled cheese and a hot fudge sundae. She cheered on the Texas Longhorns, Westlake Chaps and Georgia Bulldogs. She loved traveling and was blessed to see many places in the U.S. and abroad. Her favorite place was in the sun, especially on the beaches of the Florida panhandle. She passed on her love of traveling and the beach to her children and grandchildren.
She will be remembered for her faith, love of family and friends, her personable spirit, infectious laugh, sweet tea, her chocolate chip cookies, breakfast tacos, French toast, fried chicken and other yummy meals, her sweet Southern accent, a good sense of humor, style, and gracious Southern hospitality.
Jo Anne is survived by her children: Julie Chapman and husband Larry, Jay Hendrix and Lisa Hand and husband John; her grandchildren, Elizabeth Hand Govender and husband Cade, Katherine Hand, Ryan Hand, Olivia, Meghan and Maddie Hendrix; Daughter-n-law Annisa Hendrix; Step grandchildren Keith Chapman, Matthew Chapman and wife Leslie and Katie Bouzek and husband Brian and three step great grandchildren Charleigh, Collins and Mason Bouzek. She is also survived by her dear friend Brynn St. Martin, who was like a daughter, several nieces, nephews and many friends.
The Hendrix family would like to express our deepest gratitude for the many wonderful ladies who cared for Jo Anne professionally: Brittney, Nelda, Shauntey, Yolanda, Kionna, Lisa R., D'Asia, Karina, Gennifer, Vanessa, Sarah, Brittany M., special friend Kristine and Nurse Grace.
A celebration of life will be held on Monday, November 17th at 4:00 p.m. at All Saints Presbyterian Church.
The service will be live online at: allsaintsaustin.org/hendrix.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider a gift to:
All Saints Presbyterian.
7808 Rialto Blvd.
Austin, TX 78735.
https://www.allsaintsaustin.org/memorials.
Or.
Better ATX (formerly Assistance League of Austin).
4901 Burnet Road.
Austin, TX 78756.
https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/x1_NcmnFyc3C7HnpQjQMag.