Jo Marie Hestilow

Jo Marie Hestilow, a cherished member of the Katy community, passed away on September 17, 2023, at the age of 91. She was born on September 8, 1932, in Katy, Texas, to her loving parents Maryland and Margaret Hestilow. Jo Marie's life was deeply rooted in Katy, where she made lasting contributions to both her church and her community.

Born in her grandparents' home near the Humble Oil recycling plant, Jo Marie's journey with First Baptist Church began when she was just a month old. Miss Alta Peck came to visit and enrolled her in the "cradle roll" department, marking the beginning of a lifelong commitment to her faith.

As a child, Jo Marie cherished the simple joys of life, including visits to her grandmother's house, playing with paper dolls, and savoring homemade ice cream - a specialty of the Longenbaugh. Family evenings often revolved around board games, with "Pollyanna" being a particular favorite. She and her granddad even crafted their own ropes for swings and jump ropes, using his rope-making machine. She fondly recalled the days of 5-cent popsicles and neighborhood bike rides.

Every Sunday, she continued a tradition she shared with her grandfather by providing rides to friends in need to attend First Baptist Church. Her commitment to her faith led her to become an active member of the Joy Sunday School Class, where JOY stood for "Jesus first, others second, and you last."

In 2010, Jo Marie's selfless spirit shone brightly when she was nominated by her friends for the City of Katy's Senior Citizen of the Year award. Her passion for serving others extended beyond the church walls.

Jo Marie earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from Sam Houston State University. Her teaching career began in 1960, extending 30 years dedicated to teaching fourth and fifth graders.

After retiring from teaching in 1990, Jo Marie continued her commitment to the community by working at the City of Katy's social services building in 1992, where she handled office work and drove the city van. Throughout her retirement, she remained active, despite physical limitations resulting from her diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. She expressed her love for being around people and engaging in various activities.

Jo Marie Hestilow is survived by her sister, Norma Jean Mahler; her niece, Kerri McCain and her husband Gene; her cousins, Mark Longenbaugh and his wife Leslie, Iris Hymel and her husband Bruce and Grace Lindsey; as well as other family members and many friends who will forever cherish her memory.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 22, 2023 at the Schmidt Funeral Home Grand Parkway Chapel, in Katy, where funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 23, 2023 with Mr. Randy Jones officiating.
To express condolences, please visit www.SchmidtFuneralHome.net

Funeral services held under the direction of Schmidt Funeral Home
1344 W. Grand Parkway South ~ Katy, Texas 77494 ~ (281) 391-2424