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Jo Marie
Johnson
June 17, 1947 — July 25, 2026
Jo Marie Johnson, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on July 25, 2026, in Temple, Texas, surrounded by her loving family. Born on June 17, 1947, in Chickasha, Oklahoma, Jo Marie was the cherished daughter of OC (Red) and Virginia (Cornwell) Smith, who preceded her in death, along with her brother, Clayton Earl Smith.
Jo Marie's life was a testament to the power of love, family, and kindness that she embodied. She shared 61 beautiful years of marriage with her devoted husband, William Harold (Bill) Johnson, whom she married on June 17, 1965. Together, they created a loving home and raised two
wonderful daughters, Stacy Ticknor-Johnson and Melisa Ochoa, along with her husband Mike Ochoa. In 1984, Jo Marie and Bill moved their family from Oklahoma to the welcoming embrace of Texas, where they continued to build a life full of joy and togetherness.
Jo Marie's professional life was marked by dedication and excellence, serving as an office manager for Consolidated Tex Pack and later for the city of Troy. Her colleagues remember her not only for her work ethic but for the warmth she brought to every interaction.
Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her professional life into her personal passions. Jo Marie found immense joy in spending time with her family, especially her seven grandchildren: Sommer Rios and husband Johnny Rios, Justin Ochoa and wife Haley Ochoa, Tye Ochoa, Jacob
Enriquez, Mark Ochoa, Kolbie Ticknor, and Cayla Enriquez. Her six great-grandchildren—Hailey, Bella, Gabriella, Johnny III Rios, Spencer, and Stetson Ochoa—were the light of her life, and they filled her days with laughter and love.
Jo Marie's hobbies reflected her gentle and nurturing nature. She spent countless hours creating beautiful diamond art, tending to her cherished plants, and feeding her beloved hummingbirds. These quiet pursuits filled her days with peace and contentment.
Those who knew Jo Marie remember her as the embodiment of grace, a woman whose fierce loyalty and endless kindness touched everyone she met. Her quiet strength and unwavering devotion to her family set an example of unconditional love and acceptance. She was the heart of her family, a guiding light whose legacy of love will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.
Jo Marie is survived by her loving husband, Bill; daughters Stacy and Melisa; sister, Ginger McCasland; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews and dear friends. Her family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who have supported them during this time of profound loss.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to a Cancer charity of your choice in Jo Marie's memory. Her family hopes that through acts of kindness, her spirit will continue to touch the lives of others.
Jo Marie Johnson's life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, compassion, and grace. While her presence will be deeply missed, her memory will forever be a blessing to all who were fortunate enough to know her.
We kindly invite everyone attending her celebration of life to wear cheerful colors such as pinks, pastels, florals, or other spring-inspired colors. Rather than traditional black, we hope you'll help us celebrate Jo Marie in the bright, beautiful way she would have wanted, surrounded by love, laughter, and the colors of new life.
Thank you for helping us honor her memory in a way that reflects the joy she brought to so many.
Visitation will take place on Monday, August 3, 2026 at 12:00PM. The funeral will take place following the visitation at 2:00PM at Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Temple, Texas.
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