Jo Nell Donohue

 Jo Nell Donohue, age 92, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of faith, devotion, courage, and deep love for her family. 

 She was born in 1933 in the small East Texas town of Avery, where she spent her childhood with family and the simple joys of country life. 

 Though her early years were shaped by the Great Depression, Jo Nell often described her upbringing as idyllic. She shared laughter and close relationships with her brothers, sister, cousins, and grandparents who lived nearby. 

 Her parents were tomato farmers, and as a young girl, Jo Nell helped pick tomatoes alongside her family, especially during the summers when cousins would gather to work and spend time together. These early experiences instilled in her a strong work ethic and a lifelong appreciation for family. 

 Jo Nell had a natural sense of adventure and a gift for storytelling. She loved sharing vivid, often hilarious stories with her children and grandchildren about growing up in the woods of East Texas—stories filled with colorful neighbors, playful mischief, and meaningful life lessons. Those stories became a treasured part of her legacy. 

 In school, Jo Nell excelled both academically and athletically. She was a talented basketball player and won a state championship during her high school years. She also had a sharp mind and a love for communication, thriving in debate and demonstrating a natural ability to connect with others. 

 As a young adult, Jo Nell moved to Commerce, Texas to attain her B.A. in Education from East Texas State University. Eventually she moved to Dallas, embracing the opportunities of city life. After teaching for several years as a kindergarten school teacher, she held several other interesting jobs, including working as an airline stewardess, reflecting her adventurous spirit. During this time, she formed lifelong friendships, maintaining deep connections with a close circle of friends whom she cherished throughout her life. 

 It was in Dallas, at a church social, that she met her husband, Kevin Donohue. Though he had arrived with another date, he quickly noticed Jo Nell and tossed her his tie to hold while he played a game of pool. She turned and walked off with Kevin’s tie, and the rest is history. 

 She was a devoted member of the Church of Christ and was known for her deep and unwavering faith. She loved the Lord and lived out her beliefs with conviction. She was passionate, dedicated, and a true prayer warrior—faithfully bringing her family before the Lord in both joyful and difficult seasons. Through every trial, including the challenges of raising children and guiding them through life’s ups and downs, she remained steadfast in prayer and committed to raising her family with strong Christian values and a conservative, God-centered worldview. 

 She was also bold and courageous in her faith, never swayed by the opinions of the world, modern culture, or the expectations of others. Jo Nell stood firmly on her beliefs and lived them out with strength, clarity, and purpose. 

 In addition to her devotion at home and in her church, Jo Nell played a meaningful role in advancing Christian education. She was instrumental in helping start Southwest Christian School, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students and families in the Fort Worth community. 

 Above all else, Jo Nell was deeply devoted to her children and family. Her love was constant, her prayers were powerful, and her influence will be felt for generations to come. 

 She is survived by her children, Lance Donohue, Shelley (Jeff) McCarty, and Leslie (Tim) Strickland; her grandchildren, Shepard, Shiloh, Abby (Beikai) Nan, Seth (Bethany) McCarty, Claire, and Caleb; and her newest great grandchild, Elaina McCarty; her brother, Lynn (Jackie) Warthan; and nieces, great nieces, and nephews. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

 The family will honor Jo Nell’s memory with a visitation held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel, located at 913 North Elm Street, Weatherford, Texas 76086.

 Following this, a funeral service will take place on Friday, April 24, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m., also at the Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel.

 Later the same day, at 4:00 p.m., a graveside service will be conducted at the Warthan Cemetery, located at 10173 U.S. 82 E, Annona, Texas 75550.

  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mike Brown Ministries.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel. https://www.galbreaithpickard.com/