Jo Marie Stone

Jo Marie Stone, 84, passed away on December 27, 2020.  She was born on July 24, 1936, in Mabank, Texas, to Elan Nelson and Gladys Ballard.

She loved to sing and was always singing around the house; usually, it was the song, “Never Walk Alone.”  She was a member of Heritage Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas, and sang solos and participated in the choir.  She had a heart that desired Jesus Christ and earnestly sought after Him.  Mom learned to play a song on the piano shortly after Donna started learning.  The song was called “The Waltzing Parakeet.”  She was tickled pink to have learned it and would visit the ivories once in a while.  Mom did her best to prepare us for adulthood.  Donna remembers going to sewing classes for two summers.  Mom also insisted Donna take typing classes, a much-needed asset.  When we were younger, Mom would sew our outfits for Easter and gowns required for school functions.  On occasion, she liked to decoupage and embroidery.  She also enjoyed reading and working crossword puzzles.  Mom was a  loving wife and mother and set a good example for us to follow.

Jo is survived by her husband of 64 years, Arliss Cleveland Stone; daughters Donna Lynch and husband Bryan and Suzette Stone; grandchildren Justin Morman, David Morman, and    Hannah Morman; and five great-grandsons.

She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Dorothy Hunter, and brother Willie Dee Ballard.

Pastor Garry Lankford with Heritage Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas, will officiate for the Stone family.