Jo Ann Raisor

Jo Ann Forman Raisor of College Station, died on November 1 at home at the age of 84. She was a model of strong will, humor and sheer determination right up until the end of her journey here on earth.

She was born in Morgantown, West Virginia and was the last surviving sister of 11 children of Nellie and Clyde Forman. Jo Ann is survived by her husband of 61 years Harry. Jo Ann and Harry met at a Christmas party, fell in love and later married. When Harry decided on a career as a pilot for the United States Air Force, Jo Ann then became a bride of the USAF as well. She became a world traveler and saw the sites from Bangkok, Thailand to Mount Rushmore, South Dakota. Their union produced one daughter and two sons that they dragged all over the United States to various “exotic” places like Enid, Oklahoma, Caribou, Maine and Blytheville, Arkansas. Jo Ann made the sacrifice as most military wives of making a home at any assignment, without question pulling up stakes and caring for kids and household while her husband was away.

Loyal and dedicated to her family and friends, she was known for her generous nature and kindness. Always ready to help in any circumstance, she will be warmly remembered as a spiritually strong, resourceful, patient and witty woman. Although Jo Ann was not an athlete she enjoyed participating in various sports such as waterskiing, bowling, snow skiing, swimming, and softball. She was an ardent Texas A&M Lady Aggies basketball and Aggie football fan and was hugely disappointed when Johnny Manziel left the team. She enjoyed socializing with friends over a game of cards or dominos with lots of good food. Working a jigsaw puzzle and reading books also filled her leisure time.

She was a generous chef and great cook who wouldn’t let anybody leave her house hungry. Her meals were always tremendous feasts with guests taking home leftovers. Her generosity extended beyond the kitchen, she got pleasure from the role of “grandmother” with every youngster in the neighborhood becoming her instant “adopted grandkids”. When her own three grandchildren were born she was thrilled to have more kids to dote on.

A few paragraphs doesn’t capture this great wife, mom and friend. Her life was so much bigger than words can describe. She was a warrior that bravely battled cancer for 16 years with the determination of a Marine. We would like to thank Dr. Rachel Bramson; Dr. Capen; Dr. Rosa; Tina and all the wonderful nurses at Scott and White Hospital. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, nieces, nephews and her two dogs that were the last of a long line of hairy kids that shared her bed and affection.

All-in-all, a pretty good life for a gal who grew up in the country roads and mountains of West Virginia.

A funeral service celebrating her life will begin at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 4, 2014, at Grace Bible Church, 700 Anderson St. in College Station, with Chip Howard officiating. Services are in the care of Callaway-Jones Funeral Home. There will be a private entombment at Restever Memorial Park in Bryan.

Condolences

  1. We are so sorry to learn about Jo Ann. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

    Leslie and Robert Stevens

  2. Harry and Family,

    I so so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Jo Ann, ever cheerfully and valiantly fought a terrible and painful disease for many years. Take comfort in knowing she is now with our Father in Heaven, a place safe from the pains, the sadness and burdens of the world we know.

  3. Dear Raisor Family,

    I’ve known you just a short time, but sharing time and conversation with you was always joyful. Jo Ann was a dear person and I know you must be hurting badly at her loss. Time is the only healer for this kind of pain. I wish peace and serenity for the family. Love, Mary

  4. To Harry and Family,

    A long time ago I worked with Harry when he married Jo Ann. Lost tract after we both left WVU.

    Am sorry to hear that you lost the love of your life as did the children lose their mother.

    My God be with you all during this time of grief.

  5. Harry,
    I am so sorry to hear about Jo Ann passing away. You were a lucky man to have such a wonderful wife.
    I lost contact with you when my computer crashed and I lost your e-mail and phone number, same with Waldo Libby.
    Your Young Tiger navigator,
    Loran

    • Hi Loren,
      This is Michelle, Harry’s daughter. Dad just turned 91 and would love to hear from you. His number is 979.695.8095 home and 979.777.5002 cell. He has had heart issues. I would much appreciate if you reached out to him. It would make his day! I had a huge adolescent crush on you! So dashing with that moustache!

  6. Think is Michelle, Harry’s daughter. I am very sure that he would love to hear from you. He just turned 91. His number is 979.693.5261 home and 979.777.5002 cell.

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