Jo Ann Renner

Jo Ann Oliver Renner Born Dec. 9, 1933 Jo Ann Renner passed away at home. She was 84. Jo Ann was born in Long Mott, Texas to Dewey and Stella Atkeisson Oliver. Stella died eight months later, and Jo Ann went to live with Grover & Nova Singleton, her father’s sister, who already had five girls. Jo Ann made six. Her three sisters by birth, Billie Jean, Lorene, and Lorraine, were raised in the nearby Corsicana State Home, and loved their regular visits. Jo Ann graduated Salutatorian from Venus High School where she medaled in Activities, Tennis, Typewriting, and lettered in Basketball. She was active in 4H and in the Venus Baptist Church, where she sang in choir and also soloed. After she moved to Ft. Worth, Jo became employed by Industrial Machinery Company, a manufacturer of helicoid screw conveyers and accessories, and became the first female purchasing agent in the company’s history. She also raced go-karts for the company team, She adds, “Before anyone thought of seat belts and helmets and safety. They went fast!” Jo met the love of her life when he came to Industrial Machinery with his Air Force buddy to pick up his wife Ruby, who introduced Jo Ann to Richard Renner. They married in Ft. Worth in 1954. Jo Ann continued to work at Industrial Machinery while Richard finished his B.A as well as his Masters in Geology at TCU. They made homes in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Roswell, New Mexico; and Houston, Texas. She could fix almost anything—most of the tools in the garage were hers, not his. She was an accomplished artist who gave most of her art away. After Richard’s way-too-early death in 1991, Jo started a successful antique business and gained some dear friends. She also found a companion, Jay Richardson, a WWII Veteran and POW. They were fortunate to share some time together before they both became ill. She kept her cancer private until recently. Her strong faith and good sense of humor were unshakeable, and present till the end. Jo Ann is survived by her daughter Lee and son Rick; grandchildren Ashlie, Cody, and Sofia; son-in-law Edward; her dear sisters Billie Jean, Lorene, and Lorraine; sister-in-law Juanita Brown and her husband Don, and their daughter Donita; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, all deeply loved. She will be buried in Chandler, Oklahoma next to her husband. Per her request, there is no memorial service. If you wish, donations can be made to Houston Hospice, 1905 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, Texas 77030, or to the non-profit organization of your choice.