Jo Hartsfield

Jo Elizabeth Hartsfield, 94, passed away peacefully Jan. 15 surrounded by family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Judge Milton A. Hartsfield, and a son, Milton A. Hartsfield, Jr.

She was born Nov. 8, 1925 in Beeville, Texas, to Albert Frederick Frels and Ethel Elizabeth Beedy Frels. She graduated from Baylor University with a bachelors’ degree in English with a minor in Spanish. She met Milton at Baylor and they married on June 1, 1948.

Upon graduation, she taught high school English in Taft, Texas, before moving to Waxahachie. She later taught in Red Oak and as a substitute in Waxahachie. She loved teaching and was a lifelong learner.

She was an accomplished soloist and seamstress, but first and foremost, she was a beloved caregiver. Before losing her independence to a stroke, she loved travel and spending time with her widespread children and grandchildren. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Waxahachie.

She was instrumental in the founding of the Ellis County Association for Retarded Citizens and was an active member of the Century Club and many other civic organizations.

She is survived by her cousins, who were as close as siblings, Eldridge Custer (Carla) and Mary Kay Reed.

She also is survived by daughters, Elizabeth Owens (Randy) of Fort Worth and Mary Matlock (David) of Shreveport, La.; son, James Hartsfield (Peggy) of League City; grandchildren, Stephen Owens, Marie Chase (Brandon), Kathleen Barbee (Justin), Destiny Owens Harrington, Emily Pellegrin (Jarred), Katy Dotson (Russell), David Matlock, Jr. (Rebecca), Alan Matlock (Jordan), Dylan Hartsfield, Angie Hartsfield and Annie Hartsfield; and great-grandchildren, Kaiden and Lilliana Owens, McKinley and Delaney Chase, Elliott Barbee, Violet Harrington, Nathan Pellegrin, Margaret Jo, Eli, Millie and Rose Dotson, Thomas and Ellie Matlock, and soon to be Malynn Barbee and Cora Matlock.

The family wishes to express special gratitude to Wendy and Rob Clark for their unwavering compassionate care and friendship.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Texas Special Olympics at: https://give.specialolympics.org/page/contribute/texas19

Friends and family are encouraged to gather for a time of visitation on Sunday, January 19, 2020 from 2-3 in the afternoon at Wayne Boze Funeral Home. A service celebrating Jo's life will be held at 3 p.m. in the Pat Boze Memorial Chapel with Rev. Jarred Pelligrin officiating. Burial will follow at the Waxahachie City Cemetery.

Arrangements especially for the Hartsfield Family by Wayne Boze Funeral Home. 1826 W. Hwy 287 Bus., Waxahachie, TX 75165. 972-923-2700. www.waynebozefuneralhome.com