Jo Ann Scott

    Jo Ann Scott, age 77, of Edna, passed away on Dec. 24, 2016, surrounded by her loving family. Jo Ann was born on April 18, 1939 in Greenville, Mich., the daughter of Earl and Betty Belyou.       She grew up on a farm in Fenwick, Mich., and graduated as valedictorian of Sheridan High School in 1957. She graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in home economics in 1960 and later returned to Michigan State to earn a master’s degree in child development in 1973. In 1960, she married her high school sweetheart, Gordon J. Scott, whom she had known since fourth grade.They were looking forward to celebrating their 56th anniversary on Dec. 27.       She was a lifelong learner and had many diverse interests. She loved keeping up with technology and staying connected with friends and family through Facebook, Twitter, and texting. She was an avid walker at the Edna High School track and used her Fitbit to log 10,000 steps before lunchtime as recently as July. She also had recently taken up quilting and had several quilting projects in progress.       Her true gift was working with children. She taught homemaking at Edna High School for many years before helping launch the Edna pre-kindergarten program in 1986. She truly shone in the presence of young children and was able to connect with them intuitively. She particularly enjoyed remaining in touch with her former students and continuing to counsel and encourage them throughout their lives. More than anything, she loved her family and was the happiest mother and grandmother in the world. Her granddaughters Megan and Macey Pendergast were a source of pure delight, and the feeling was mutual. Her greatest joy in recent years was attending Megan’s volleyball games, Macey’s theater events, and Daniel Santiago’s football games and band concerts.       Jo Ann will be greatly missed by her family: husband Gordon of Edna; children Betsy (Jim) Pendergast of League City, and John Scott (Ismael Rangel) of Austin,; grandchildren Megan and Macey Pendergast; and extended family Jose and Maria Santiago, Edith (Damon) Jasso and son Stephen, and Daniel Santiago, who considered Jo Ann his grandma. Jo Ann is also survived by her dear younger brother, Mike (Louise) Belyou, of Fenwick, Mich., and many loving nieces, nephews, and other members of the Scott and Belyou families.       The family will receive friends during a visitation at Oaklawn Funeral Home in Edna on Thursday, Dec. 29, from 2 to 4 p.m. A family memorial celebrating Jo Ann’s life will be held in Michigan in the summer.       In lieu of flowers, Jo Ann’s family requests that memorial contributions be made in her name to the Edna pre-kindergarten program. Make checks to Edna ISD and note Pre-K Donation, Jo Ann Scott. Send to Edna ISD, 601 N. Wells St., Edna, TX 77957.     Arrangements are under the direction of Oaklawn Funeral Home in Edna. 361-782-2221.