Jo Ann Hoel

Ms. Jo Ann Hoel went to be with her Lord and Savior on December 12, 2022.  Needing another soprano for his Heavenly Choir the Lord knew Jo Ann was just the one he wanted and needed.

Jo Ann was born in Clifton on June 1, 1934, to Calvert and Ida Hoel. Her mother died when Jo Ann was very young, and her father married Eva Lena Lewis who became her loving stepmother. Both preceded her in death as well as her brother, John Hoel.

In her early years she attended the Womack School and loved to tell her nieces and nephews about riding her horse to school. She graduated from Clifton High School and continued her education at Clifton College, Texas Lutheran and then to Baylor University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education. She also received a master’s degree from Sul Ross University.

Jo Ann taught Physical Education in Midland for several years before beginning work with American Airlines. In 25 years with American she held many positions in the Dallas area. Her tenure with American allowed Jo Ann to visit numerous cities, states, and countries during her lifetime. One such trip was to the Sultanate of Oman where she visited with her sister and brother-in-law who were living there. However, flying there on a pass created problems with the Omani government and she had a problem getting out if the country. She was able to take her parents, siblings, and friends to various states in the United States and foreign countries. One such trip involved a daytime trip to San Francisco to have lunch, exchange Christmas gifts and return to Dallas. Upon her retirement from American Jo Ann was not ready to sit back and rest. She became an elementary teacher at Whitney Elementary School and lovingly taught first grade for 10 years.

In addition to her positions with American Airlines and teaching, many young Clifton children learned to swim under Jo Ann’s tutelage at the Clifton Swimming Pool. Jo Ann was a lifelong member of the Zion United Church in Womack and held many positions in the leadership of the Church. As one could imagine she was a regular in the choir. She could also be seen in her German outfit at the annual Sausage supper. Her love for singing also led her to join and sing with the Bosque County chorale, among several other choral groups.

Jo Ann was an active member of the Texas Retired Teachers Association, holding key positions in the local chapter.

Jo Ann is lovingly remembered by her sister Mary and husband Colonel Jimmie Hanes, of Crawford, TX; her sister Ruthy and husband Bob Willoughby, of San Antonio, TX, and her lifetime partner and loving dear friend David Dorward. She is also survived by eight nieces and nephews as well as 15 great nieces and nephews. Jo Ann was deeply loved by her family and friends, and all know that she is in the presence of her Lord and Savior, whom she sincerely worshipped and faithfully served all the days of her life. Her life was well lived because she made life better for so many others.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Womack Zion Church on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at 1:30 P.M.

The family suggests memorials be made to Lutheran Sunset Ministries or Zion Church.