Jo Ann Conway Alborn passed from this earthly life on Thursday, July 26, 2018 at 6:45am at her home surrounded by her children, sons-in-law, her companion, and her sweet furbaby after a brief illness. Jo Ann loved life and was a joy to be around. She loved sitting in her sky-swing and watching the birds, squirrels and butterflies in her beautiful backyard. She faithfully went to the Renaissance Festival each year, loved to go out to eat and had fun having her nails done. She also loved to sing (although she could not really carry a tune) and music of all kinds. When she learned that she was ill, she enjoyed an 8-day visit from her granddaughter who traveled from New York to be with her and then Jo Ann traveled to Tennessee to see her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She hugged the neck of each of her loved ones and got to see her beloved Smoky Mountains one last time.

Jo Ann was not only her children’s mom, but their friend as well. Before marrying Charles Alborn in 1977, she was a single parent raising three teenagers at a time when it was uncommon. During these years, her children always knew how much she loved them even when there may not be an abundance of material things. She was strong, funny (without meaning to be) and determined. She was a sweet and gentle spirit who accepted Jesus Christ at an early age. She instilled her faith in God in her children and they have the assurance of knowing they will be reunited with their mom in Glory.

Jo Ann was born in Orange, Texas on April 13, 1935 to Floyd Conway, Sr. and Annie Olivia Conway. She shared with her children the many happy memories she had of her childhood such as walking to the movies and horseback riding with her sister, Georgia. Jo Ann graduated from Little Cypress High School in 1953, became a Licensed Vocational Nurse when she was 38 years old and received her Bachelor of Science as a Registered Nurse in her 50s. She was known as an excellent nurse by those fortunate enough to have her care for them.

Jo Ann is survived by her children, Lauryi Melton Knowles (Kevin), Sue Melton Landry (Michael), Larry “Bud” Melton, Jr., her grandchildren Garrett Robbins (Jessica), Jon Knowles (Amy), Shonda Robbins Colby (Dan), and Callie Melton. She is also survived by her great grandchildren- Sheelove Knowles, Ava Robbins and Hanna Robbins, longtime friend and companion, Jack Peveto and Cinnamon, her four-legged friend of 16 years, her sisters, Rosa Mae Babcock, Georgia Lusich, and her brother, Floyd Conway Jr. “Skipper” (Deborah) and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 31 years, Charles E. “Chile” Alborn, her father, mother, her sister, Theta Rae, granddaughter, Taylor Melton and nephews, David Russell Babcock and Brian Babcock.

Services for Jo Ann will be at Dorman Funeral Home with visitation on Sunday, July 29^th from 4-6pm and funeral on Monday, July 30^th, 2018 at 10:00am. Burial will be at Parish Cemetery in Orange. Texas. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Southeast Texas, the Humane Society of Southeast Texas or charity of choice.

When you see a butterfly, a bird, or a dragonfly, think of beautiful Jo Ann.