Ellen Josephine “Jo” Williams, 97, passed away on Thursday, March 29, 2012, in Bedford, Texas. She was born in Brownwood, Texas, on February 24, 1915, to Thomas Fred McCulley and Lola Wilmoth Williams.
Jo earned a BA from Howard Payne University and then embarked on a twenty-six year career teaching elementary school at French Elementary, Edwards Elementary and Eugene Field Elementary. She was a member of the Beaumont Association for Retired Teachers and the Texas State Teachers Association. An active member of Trinity United Methodist Church for twenty years, Jo later joined Martin United Methodist Church, after she moved to Bedford in 2003.
In her spare time and in retirement, Jo enjoyed playing bridge, ’42 with friends, reading and gardening. In her younger years, she also enjoyed travelling and square dancing.
She will be greatly missed by her son, Charles Wendell Griffin and his wife, Priscilla; step-daughter, Pamela Houck Ursery and her husband, Buddy; step-son, Robert Houck; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many friends.
Jo is preceded in death by her parents; her son, Jerry Don Griffin; and two grandchildren.
A gathering of her family and friends will be from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., Sunday, April 1, 2012, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. Her funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 2, 2012, at the Dishman Chapel at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3430 Harrison Avenue, Beaumont with interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, under the direction of Broussard’s.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
