Jo Ann Grisham

Jo Ann Grisham was born May 28, 1935 to George W. Templin and Eunice Parish Templin in Hamlin, Texas. Jo Ann entered her Heavenly home on July 26, 2024. During her childhood, the family moved to Brownwood, Texas. Jo Ann graduated from Brownwood High School in 1953 and enrolled in Howard Payne University. She later transferred to Baylor University where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in education and eventually a master’s degree. Jo Ann taught elementary school, mostly 2nd grade, in Waco I.S.D. for 36 years at the schools of South Waco Elementary, Gurley Elementary, and Kendrick Elementary. In 1958 she met the love of her life, Robert Ellis Grisham. They married in 1959 and had one daughter, Kimberly Ann Grisham. Jo Ann attended church at Robinson Church of Christ and New Road Church of Christ for many years. She was an avid fan of live music and enjoyed the Stars Over Texas Jamboree each month.

 Jo Ann loved Jesus, her family, Dr. Pepper, Elvis, the Baylor Bears, and the Riesel Indians. Jo Ann was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Robert, many cousins, and many friends. She is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Brown of Riesel, her grandson, Ben Hayden and wife, Monique, of Waco, her granddaughter, Kayley Scott and husband, Justin, of Riesel, her cousin, Jean McDowell, of Brownwood, and her beloved great grandchildren: Jeremiah Holloway, Sayde Scott, Slate Scott, Nash Hayden, Harlen Hayden, Jolee Scott, and Stevie Scott.

Jo Ann spent the last year of her life at St. Anthony’s Care Center in Waco. The family would like to thank the staff at St. Anthony’s Care Center and Honcho Hearts Hospice for loving Jo Ann so well!

Visitation for Jo Ann will be Wednesday, July 31, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Waco Memorial Funeral Home. Services will be Thursday, August 1, 2024 at 11:00 am at the funeral home, with interment to follow at Waco Memorial Park in the Veteran's Field of Honor, where she will be laid to rest next to her husband, Robert Ellis Grisham.

Pallbearers will be: Ben Hayden, Justin Scott, Jeremiah Holloway, Jeff Christian, David Christian, Paul Christian, and James Christian.

In lieu of flowers, please provide support and school supplies to your favorite teachers, students, or schools. Jo Ann loved school and teaching!