Dates
Jo Ann Messer Motl, 91, passed away at home surrounded by her children after a five-year battle with Leukemia. She was born December 30, 1933, to Horton Messer and Bertha Story Messer. She was blessed with two sisters, Marjorie Winburne (Charles), Dorothy Holley (Don) and one brother, Arthur Horton Messer. She was raised in a loving family who spent many hours having fun at Lake Nasworthy.
She graduated from San Angelo Central High School in 1952. She fell in love with the boy next door, Calvin Ross Motl, who stole her heart. They were married on November 2, 1952, at Trinity Methodist Church in San Angelo and celebrated 59 years of marriage. They were blessed with three children, Steven Ross Motl, Robert Lynn Motl and Lisa Ann Motl Peace. She was a stay-at-home mom and always enjoyed her children’s activities. She was active in her community as a member of the Jaycettes, and a member of the Angelo Community Hospital Auxiliary. She was a member of the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Association, serving 25 years in the creative arts department and also a member of Beta Sigma Phi, a service organization, for 65 years. Jo Ann was a member of First Global Methodist Church. She loved her Cheers Sunday School Class, and she worked in the church office when needed. She and Calvin loved to travel to places like Paris and Rome. They loved to dance and were members of the Terpsichorean and Western Dance Clubs. She was secretary for her husband’s business, CR Motl Construction Company until his death from Parkinson’s on August 3, 2012. She also enjoyed helping at Sugarbaker’s Gourmet Kitchen Shop. Her most favorite time of all was being MiMi to her grandchildren and great grandsons. She loved watching tennis matches and dance competitions and was always there for graduations, weddings and always ready for a good time with family. Holidays, birthdays and Disney Cruises were such special times spent with her family.
Grandchildren are Mason Ross Motl and fiancé Jordan Gradel of Austin, Scott Ryan Motl and wife Leah of Dallas, Lindsey Peace Johnson and husband Matt of Magnolia, Shelby Lynn Eckel and husband Trent of The Woodlands, Paige Peace of Houston and Callie Peace Conoley and husband Cam of Fredericksburg. And great grandsons, Cole Michael Johnson, Cameron David Johnson and Silas Robert Motl.
Jo Ann leaves behind son, Steve Motl of San Angelo, daughter Lisa Motl Peace of Willis and daughter-in-law Rory Lee Motl of San Marcos. She enjoyed playing Bridge and Mah-jongg with her many friends she loved. Preceding her in death were her parents Bertha and Horton, her husband Calvin, her son Robert, and daughter-in-law Terri, sister and brother-in-law Marjorie and Charles.
Jo Ann and children would like to thank Dr. Cheruku and staff, Hospice of San Angelo and Visiting Angels.
Visitation at Harpers Funeral home on June 4, 5:00-7:00. Graveside service will be at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens on Thursday June 5, at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Methodist Church San Angelo.
2 Timothy 4:6-9 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Family and friends may share condolences and sign the online register book at www.harper-funeralhome.com.