Jo Ward

Jo Ann Harris was born in Italy, TX on October 27, 1933 to Ruby Hicks Bumpus and Robert January Harris. She attended Center Point Elementary, and Italy Junior High and High School, graduating with the Class of 1951. She studied at Southwest Texas State Teachers College for one year, as a Home Economics major (Gig'em Bobcats), then went to work in Dallas. On August 28, 1954, she married James Elias Ward of Italy, TX, son of Edna Emma Cantrell and James Martin Ward. Their union was blessed with two daughters. Jamie's work took them to Midland and Wisconsin before retiring back to the Cantrell homestead, which they restored. She made her permanent change of station to be with the Lord on June 9, 2018.

She is survived by her husband and two daughters; Rhonda Tesch of Italy TX, and Lei Ann (Robin) Peavy of Huntsville AL; five grandchildren: Jason Tesch of Middleton WI, Jenny (Matt) Orvis of Green Bay WI, Ashley Tesch of De Pere WI, Levi Peavy, and Joy Peavy, both of Huntsville AL; a sister, Helen Martin of Elm Mott TX, and a brother, Bobby Harris of Italy, TX. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Jimmie Harris and Don Harris.

"For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord"
Romans 8:38, 39 (KJV)

The family suggests memorial contributions be sent to The Salvation Army.

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