Jo Kathryn Smart

Jo Kathryn Jones Smart of Lampasas, Texas passed peacefully from this earth in her sleep on March 9, 2019. She was born on June 8, 1928 to Desmond A. and Eudell Ione Reece Jones in Ranger, Texas. 1947 was an exciting year for Jo as she graduated from Gatesville High School, then married Justin F. Smart on June 4. She and Justin established Smart Drilling and Supply in Lampasas. They worked as a team, and she remained actively involved in the family business for almost 50 years. She helped with everything from bookkeeping, sales, assisting customers, and even drove vehicles to and from work sites. In 1948, she gave birth to Ross Desmond Smart followed by Terry Wesley Smart in 1951. She loved spending time with her boys, even though they spent their entire lives giving her a hard time. While she was never one for adulation as she did not want anyone getting too big for their britches, she was extremely proud of her boys and everything they accomplished. Jo especially enjoyed time with friends and family, though shopping and fashion were two of her greatest passions. She took particular care and pride in dressing well and looking fabulous. She had four granddaughters who she loved to take shopping at Dillard’s, and we hope they do not go under without her patronage. She loved sharing her fashion wisdom with “her girls,” and was full of ideas for them to look more fashionable: always wear hose, curled hair is the best hair, no white after Labor Day, lipstick matters, and large sparkling jewelry is suitable for every occasion. Jo can best be remembered by her sense of humor, witty commentary, and love for her family and community. Her friends and church family were deeply important to her, and brought significant joy to her life. She loved to go on trips with First Texas Bank or anyone else really, and always made sure to bring back beautiful glittery souvenirs for her granddaughters. Jo never believed there was a wrong time for a Dr. Pepper, especially if it was a Dr. Pepper float. She believed that laughter was better than crying, and never lost that mischievous glint in her eyes. She enjoyed 90 years of love, laughter, and joy with her friends and family. Jo is survived by her two sons, Ross Smart, Terry Smart and wife, Kathy; granddaughters, Scotti Smart George (Chris), Cely Smart, Sari Smart, and Hannah Smart; and great-grandson, Ryker George. Other family members include sister, Patricia Baker (Robert); nephew, Michael Baker and family; and niece, Katie Erwin and family. She is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Justin, sister-in-law and dear friend Doris Smart Crane, and by her parents. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the First United Methodist Church, 2 Alexander Lampasas, TX. 76550, Kindred Hospice, 2626 S. 37th St., Temple, Tx. 76504, or a charity of one’s choice. Funeral service Thursday March 14, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. First United Methodist Church in Lampasas.