Jo Ann Peek

Jo Ann Peek October 1, 1927 January 9, 2009 Jo Ann Torrence Peek, 81, died January 9, 2009, at St. Catherine's Center in Waco, TX. She was surrounded by her loving family. She peacefully passed away after a long struggle with emphysema. Graveside services will be 3 p.m., Monday, January 12, at Oakwood Cemetery. There will be a celebration of her life at 4:00 p.m. at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel. Jo Ann was born in Waco, Texas, on October 1, 1927, to William Clifton Torrence and Julia Murphey Torrence. She graduated from Waco High School in 1944 and Baylor University in 1948. On August 21, 1948, she married Bob Peek. Together they had 2 children, Pam and Ann. As a mother and teacher, she was always lovingly involved in the lives of children. She taught in Telfner, Victoria, Garland and finally, at Provident Heights in Waco, where she retired. An optimistic outlook on life was her strongest trait and we all benefited from her continuous positive encouragement in our lives. As a mother she loved unconditionally. As a grandmother she loved with great enthusiasm. And as a great-grandmother, she loved with all her heart. Because she had no brothers or sisters, she was constantly reminding us how important we were to her. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren called her Mama Jo and have many fond memories of her. Friendship was a most important element in her life. She continued to maintain relationships with friends from her childhood years in Waco, our Sears friends as we moved around the state, neighbors, teaching partners and new friends that she made later in life. If you were her friend, you were her friend for life, and she made a habit of keeping in touch. She leaves a family who will miss her greatly: daughters, Pam Jeffrey and her husband, James, and Ann Haller and her husband, John; precious grandchildren, Austin Haller, Kimberly Haller, Jack Jeffrey, Jay Jeffrey and his wife, Celeste, Julie Armstrong and her husband, Shawn; and of course, great-grandchildren Jackson Jeffrey, Jacie Jeffrey, Hayden Jeffrey and Ethan Jeffrey. Mama Jo was eagerly awaiting the arrival of her newest great-grandchild, due in February. We would like to thank all of those who have given such loving care to our mother over the last 8 years. She truly loved them as we do. Memorials can be made to Compassion Ministries in Waco or CASA of Travis County. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WilkirsonHatchBailey.com.