Joan "Jo" Louise Mead

Joan Louise Mead "Jo", died on October 9, 2023 in Harlingen, TX.  She was 65.  Jo was born on April 22, 1958 in Rapid City, SD, the daughter of John Richard and Mary Raymond Mead.  She grew up and attended school in Rapid City and graduated from Stevens High School in 1976.  She attended Black Hills State College in Spearfish, SD, graduating in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education.

In 1983 she moved to Texas and taught elementary school for San Benito CISD until 2015 when she retired after 32 years of dedicated service.  Jo loved children’s literature and delighted in sharing that passion with her nieces and nephews over the years.  She also spent endless hours nurturing her many plants and beautiful rose garden, and spoiling her beloved cat, Mia.  Jo found great joy in providing support and serving as a mentor for one of her nieces, who is also a teacher.

Jo was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include twin brother John Mead of Benicia, CA; brothers, Ted Mead (Kim) of Missoula, MT and Matt Mead (Michelle) of Roseville, CA; and sisters, Liz Goddard (Eric) of Warner Robins, GA and Kathy de la Peña (Tony) of Buda, TX.  Jo also leaves behind 4 nieces, 6 nephews and 4 grand-nephews.

A memorial gathering to celebrate Jo’s life will be held at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas on Saturday, November 18th, 2023 at 1:00 pm.

In honor of Jo’s life, donations may be made to Sunny Glen Children’s Home in San Benito or to a public library of your choice.