Jo Renae Evans

Jo Renae Evans, 69, of Walnut Springs, Texas, passed away on May 15, 2022.

Jo was born in Crosby, Texas to the late James Roy and Neva Jo Covin on December 24, 1952. She was the youngest of five children. While visiting her sister, Roy Lou Greenwood, in Flat, Texas, she met Gary Wayne Bankhead. Gary and Jo got married on July 28, 1970. They had Gary Jr “Bear”, on December 6, 1971, Crystal Renae on May 17, 1974, and Camey Jo on December 3, 1986.

Throughout life, Jo had various jobs, but being a mother and later a “Nonny Jo” was what she devoted her life to. Her family meant the world to her. She loved telling them,“I love you to the moon and back,” every chance she got. Jo loved family time and being with her grandkids and animals is what made her day. She was such a nurturing person. Some of her fondest memories were always centered around her birthday, December 24^th, when everyone would come over to play games, eat good food and visit.

When she wasn’t caring for others, she enjoyed making handmade items, and would sell her creations in nearby craft shows.  Jo had a passion for sewing and painting. She was very creative and could make just about anything. Neck wraps and eye pillows were some of her most popular items and still treasured by many today.

In 2006, she met Chris Evans. They were married on 12/21/2007. They loved taking trips together to various places such as Sante Fe, New Mexico and Port Aransas, Texas. Chris and Jo eventually started a tradition of taking the whole family to Port Aransas each year. She loved booking the trips and getting the whole family together.

Jo also drove a school bus for Glen Rose ISD for several years before retiring. The kids on her bus route loved her and enjoyed calling her Miss Jo. She loved them so much. She looked forward to seeing them each day and would continue to run into them in town even after she retired. She always had fond memories and stories to tell about the bus barn.

The most important thing to know is that Jo lived her life devoted to those around her. She was driven by love and had a heart of gold. Jo had an amazing laugh and was always smiling. She never met a stranger and genuinely loved all people with every ounce of her being. Jo will be dearly missed by her loved ones.

Jo is survived by her husband, Christopher Evans; her former husband, Gary Wayne Bankhead, Sr.; her children, Gary Wayne Bankhead Jr. and wife Hope of Glen Rose, Tx., Crystal Renae Bean and husband Kevin of Walnut Springs, Tx., and Camey Jo Schoessow and husband Logan of Celina, Tx.; her grandchildren, Justin Merghart and  wife Jordan ,Gabby Merghart, Kyle and Haley Bankhead, Kelsy Hudson and husband Brady, Kensy Reynolds and husband Kully, Kloey Massey, Payton and Mercy Bean, Liam, Lila, and Lincoln Schoessow; her great grandchildren, Kennedy Merghart and Castiel Hudson; and her sister, Roy Lou Greenwood.

She is preceded in death by her siblings, James Calvin, Audie Prater, and Melba Covin; and her step-son, Luc Evans.