JoAnn Jackson, lovingly known as Mama Jay, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the age of 91. A beautiful woman of profound faith, boundless love, and unwavering service, Jo Ann's life was a beautiful testament to grace and kindness.

Born on September 18, 1934, in Brazos, Texas, to Ester and Lucille (Matthews) Bradford, Jo Ann was raised in Kermit, Texas, where she graduated from Kermit High School in 1952. She pursued higher education at Tarleton State University and North Texas State University.

Throughout her life, JoAnn left a gentle, loving touch wherever she went—whether in Dallas, Pickton, DeSoto, or finally settling in Ennis in 1999.

She was a homemaker raising her children during their early years.  She later had a successful  career as a legal secretary at law firms in Dallas, ending at Locke Lord Law Firm (formerly Locke Purnell Rain Harrell).   She brought professionalism, along with her warmth to each job, making life-long friends along the way.

Upon retiring, JoAnn embraced her new home in Ennis, quickly becoming a cherished member of the community and a beloved member of Baylor Baptist Church.  She served there and made so many of the friends she has here today during those years.  She played a big part in the fundraisers for the youth group, as her homemade pecan pies often brought in hundreds of dollars of donations.  If you bid on her pie, but did not win the bid, she baked you one the next week anyway.  From a very early age, JoAnn was a follower of Jesus Christ.  And she generously served in many capacities, including through the Loaves and Fishes ministry at Tabernacle Baptist Church.  For several years, JoAnn, along with others served meals to all shut in members of Tabernacle.

JoAnn's love of books was a lifelong passion, a joy she inherited from her mother. She was a familiar face at the library, carefully selecting her weekly reads, always eager to explore new stories. Wherever her kitchen was, it was always radiated with warmth and love. Her cherished recipes of pecan pie, fried chicken, banana pudding, fudge, ginger cookies and countless more created lifelong memories of happiness and togetherness and love that will forever be treasured. She knew everyone's favorites and would bless us with them often.

Music was another language of love for JoAnn. A gifted pianist, she shared her talent generously as a piano teacher, inspiring many with her gentle guidance and passion for music.  She served as the church's pianist in many church homes prior to moving to Ennis.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Leslie Ann Cofer, and her husband Frank; her devoted son, Bradford Jackson, and his wife, Shannon; ten grandchildren— Christen Tyner and husband, Lee,  Allison Lassig and husband, Jarrett; Tyler Hobbs and wife, Emily; Melissa Jackson; Chasitie Watson and husband, Kris; Morgan Cofer and husband Tyler Ashton; Erica Nesseth; Colleen Stembridge and husband Ben; Haylee Kasillis and husband, Daniel; and Beth Jackson.  Seventeen great-grandchildren – Landon and Hadley Tyner; Jase and Remi Ann Hobbs; Tracey Smithers; Ivy, Tripp, Sunny and Rhodes Lassig; Aspen and Sydney Watson; Jonah and Finn Nesseth; and Cindy and Emmett Stembridge; Jaycob Strutton and Raine Bagadu.   Her nephews Stephen Bradford (wife Patricia) and Mike Bradford (wife Tammy); daughters in love, Ludonna Smithers and Judy McKenzie;  and a wide circle of extended family and friends.

Jo Ann was preceded in death by her parents; her son, W. A. Jackson, IV; her granddaughter, Katie Petrea; and her brothers, Leonard and David Bradford.

Mama Jay made her home at Ennis Pointe Assisted Living in Ennis for the last few months of her life.  In that time, she made quite an impact on others.   Our family is grateful for the unmatched love and care that she received from the dedicated staff and for making her part of their own family.  Also heartfelt thanks to Andy and Jina Armstrong and Tommy and Debbie Liska for their sincere and steady love and care for not only Mama Jay, but her family.

Family and friends are invited to honor JoAnn's life at a visitation on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at J.E. Keever Mortuary of Ennis. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 10 a.m. in the J.E. Keever Mortuary Chapel, followed by lunch at Baylor Baptist. Internment will be on day Friday, January 30, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. at Little Bethel Memorial Park in Duncanville, Texas under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.

Pallbearers will include Tyler Hobbs, Frank Cofer, Lee Tyner, Landon Tyner, Stephen Bradford and Mike Bradford.

Jo Ann's legacy of faith, love, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed.  Her love and faith were not loud or performative – but steady, patient, and always there when you needed it most.  Her laughter would light up a room.  She was a warm meal, a warm hug and was always more interested in you and your life than her own.