Jo Ann Crowder's Obituary
Jo Ann Shipley Crowder of Splendora, Texas, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026 at the age of 85. She was born on August 11, 1940, in Dallas, Texas, to Willie Mae Shipley and Julian A. Shipley. As the youngest of five children and a cherished wife, mother, and Nanny, Jo Ann was always surrounded by her large, close-knit family, who remained central to her life.
Jo Ann was raised in the Sheldon area, where she met the love of her life, Roland Lee Crowder Jr. They were married on December 27, 1957, and shared 65 years of marriage until Roland’s passing on September 8, 2023. Their bond was deep and enduring, and Jo Ann was profoundly devoted to her husband.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Roland Lee Crowder Jr.; her son, Roland Lee Crowder III; her granddaughter, Amanda Marie Crowder; her parents, Willie Mae Shipley and Julian A. Shipley; her sister, Virginia “Sister” Tipton; brothers, Julian “Junior” Shipley, Walter “Bubba” Shipley, and Alvin “Ray” Shipley.
Jo Ann is survived by her son, Ronald Crowder and wife Karen; daughter, Debbie Felice and husband Charles; grandson Matt Crowder and Mallory; granddaughter Chrissy May and Preston; granddaughter Shelly Connell and Joe; granddaughter Randi Jo Thomas and Randall; and great grandchildren: Azlyn, Kamdyn, Cade, Beau, Jolie, Sadie, Maggie, Dallas, Travis, Grayson, and Mia, each of whom brought her immense joy.
Jo Ann dedicated 30 years of her life to caring for others as a Licensed Vocational Nurse, serving from 1973 until her retirement in 2003. Nursing was more than a profession to her - it was a calling rooted in compassion and service. After retiring, her focus shifted entirely to her family, especially her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, who were truly the center of her world.
Jo Ann will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family, her strength, and her lifelong devotion to those she held dear. Her legacy lives on in the generations she nurtured and the countless lives she touched.
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