Jo Ann Hafer

Our precious Mama Jo left this earth to join her Heavenly Father on Monday, January 8, 2024^.  She was 91 years old.  Jo Ann (Evans) Hafer was born in Abernathy, Texas, to Jesse Doyle Evans and Nancy Alma (Forrest) Evans on February 16, 1932.  

Jo Ann grew up on a farm in Abernathy, and at an early age she developed an affection for horses.  Her favorite adventures and stories included riding some of the family’s favorite horses Flash and Silver.  She loved dancing and often attended square dances that were “called” by her father, Pop.   Jo graduated in 1949 and was named Miss Abernathy High.  She always said, “I might not be the prettiest or the smartest, but I was always the friendliest.”

Jo Ann left the farm for the big city of Amarillo.   She was roommates with Patricia (Hafer) Shimp who shared her love of dancing, and they became life-long friends.   She met Pat’s brother, Charles Hafer, and they were married March 17, 1958.  Sharla arrived in January 1961 and Keith in April 1962.  Jo Ann was an amazing mother and was involved in the many activities of her children and later her grandchildren Colton and Cutter.  The Hafer household was home to many game nights with wonderful friends. Whether it was a game of 42, bridge, or Skip-Bo, Jo loved being around her friends and family.

Jo was very involved in her church, the YWCA, and many horse organizations where she frequently served as director or secretary. She would often say, “I have been secretary of everything except the Communist Party.”

While traveling with her Golden Girls, Jo was able to explore the country and experience her love of Country Music firsthand in Nashville, Tennessee, and Branson, Missouri.  George Strait was her favorite, and she attended many of his concerts and even one of his roping events.  

Jo is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Hafer; parents, Doyle and Alma Evans; brother, Forest Evans; sister, Shirley Jones; stepdaughter, Gwen Cawthon; and favorite fur-babies, Perry and Abby.  

She leaves behind daughter, Sharla Butler and her husband Mike; son, Keith Hafer and his wife Chris; two grandsons, Colton Geers and Cutter Geers and his wife Kaylee; granddaughter, Jill and her two sons Owen and Paxton; little brother, Fred Evans and his wife Lida; sisters-in-law, Pat Shimp and Patty Evans; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. Jo loved her nephew Bryan D. and often teased that she hoped she could love her own children as much as she loved him.  He held a special place in her heart.  She touched the lives of so many people from the workplace, church, friends, and horse people.  

The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers from Crossland Care and Home Hospice of Odessa.  They were blessings to both Jo and her family.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital in her memory.  https://www.stjude.org/

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, February 17^th, 2024, at Sunset Memorial Gardens with Becky Hand officiating.  Following the ceremony, there will be a gathering of family and friends.  The family would enjoy hearing a favorite story about Jo from her friends and family members.  You are welcome to share these favorite memories during the celebration or if you prefer, these memories can be written so they can be read aloud.