Jo Ann LaFon

JoAnn Brackeen LaFon 62, of Blossom Texas, passed away Thursday, March 24, 2022, at her home.

Graveside services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 27, 2022 at Oaklawn Cemetery in Cooper, Texas with Brother Mike Fortenberry officiating.

Serving as Pallbearers will be Kurt Sampson, Gene Foster, Ricky Davis, Jamie Blount, Jay Daughtrey, and Freddy Daughtrey.

JoAnn was born in Paris, Texas on July 10, 1959, to Mickey Brackeen and Joyce (Hanna) Brackeen. They have preceded her in death.

JoAnn joined her big sister Cathey on a cotton farm and cattle ranch near Cooper, Texas where her love of the land and the lifestyle developed. After her marriage to Ray LaFon on May 17,1993, they bought land and built a log house in Blossom. Jo Ann always had a garden and she loved to ride her horses. She loved her cows, her pets, and her privacy. Her strong competitive spirit stayed with her as she played 42 with neighbors, and had many heated chess matches with Ray.

As a girl, if you ever drove by the Brackeen home, JoAnn was outside shooting baskets. That led to her being part of Pat Moses‘ 1977 girls basketball team that won the State Championship where she was named all state forward. The saying among those who watched JoAnn play was that she had ice water in her veins. After high school Jo Ann received a basketball scholarship to Tyler Jr. College where her team won Nationals.

JoAnn never had an art lesson, but she produced many beloved works using her natural talent. She did oils, pastels, chalk, charcoal, and pencil drawings. She painted on vintage hand saws, old plows, and cowbells as well as canvas.

JoAnn was baptized at Antioch Baptist Church and in the past months her faith brought her great comfort. She faced cancer and other battles with great courage and leaves behind a host of friends from all walks of life who loved her dearly.

Survivors include her husband Ray LaFon of Blossom, Texas, sister Cathey Daughtrey and husband Freddy of Paris, Texas, nephew Jay Daughtrey and wife Candice of Paris, Texas, great nephew Kyler Daughtrey, and aunt, Verda Carrington of Sulphur Springs, Texas.

Family requests memorials be made to Maroon & Gray Foundation designated for a girls’ basketball scholarship.

P.O. Box 384 Cooper, Texas 75432

Online condolences may be made at www.deltafuneralhome.com

Services entrusted to Delta Funeral Home

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jo Ann LaFon, please visit our floral store.