JoAnn Britten

Jo Ann Britten of Groom, Texas passed away on Friday, December 18, 2020, at the age of 88.

A rosary is scheduled for 6:00 pm, Tuesday December 22nd, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Groom, Texas.  A Mass of Christian Burial service will be held at 9:00 am, Wednesday December 23rd, with interment following Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Groom, Texas. Only direct descendants will be allowed in the church for the funeral Mass.  Guests are invited to attend the burial but must remain in vehicles and cannot enter cemetery gates at the family’s request.  Funeral arrangements are by Schooler Funeral Home where she will lie in state until the rosary.

Jo Ann was born on March 4, 1932 in Clarendon, Texas to Clarence and Arrie May and was the youngest of 4 children.  She graduated from Clarendon High School in 1948 at the age of 16 and Clarendon College in 1950 before moving to Amarillo, Texas, to work for Bell Telephone.  She was a lifelong housewife.

Jo Ann married Arthur Britten on December 30, 1950 and they celebrated 69 wedding anniversaries together.  Her life revolved around her children and grandchildren, as well as dancing with her husband while wearing her flashy, but always affordable jewelry.  Her talent as a caregiver was unequaled, but having to rear 13 children, her tenacity and grit was not to be challenged.  She was the matriarch and the “boss” in every family situation.  She was well known as a virtuous woman, having both strength and dignity.  She always spoke with wisdom and gave faithful instructions and guidance when required.

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” Proverbs 10:30-31

Jo Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Richard Britten; daughter, Victoria Mae Britten; son-in-law, Wendell Hardin; brother, Billy W May; brother, Jack May; and sister, Katherine (Kat) Creacy.

She is survived by children Dennis Britten of Clarendon, Texas; Mark Britten and wife Nancy of Amarillo, Texas; Matthew Britten of Coeur D'alene, Idaho; Nila Burgin and husband Donald of Amarillo, Texas; Clifton Britten and wife Susan of Groom, Texas; Rana Hardin of Leesburg, Virginia; Rita Poor and husband Ricky of White Deer, Texas; Monica Howard and husband Craig of Cisco, Texas; Ted Britten and wife Robynn of Amarillo, Texas; Jeff Britten and wife Jamie of Groom, Texas; Jack Britten and wife Lacy of Colleyville, Texas; Jay Britten and wife Norma of Andrews, Texas; 44 grandchildren, 49 great grandchildren, and 6 great, great grandchildren.

The family requests memorials be made to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Hall Building Fund or The Groom Ambulance Service.