Jo Ann Hall Spence, of Dallas, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family. Jo Ann, commonly called Jody by her friends, was born on September 17, 1931 in Childress, Texas and grew up in Wichita Falls, Texas, as the only child of A. J. Hall. Her life was marked by a deep love for God, family, and a genuine interest in people, and an extraordinary ability to make everyone around her feel welcome.

Jody was married to the love of her life, Laverne (Vern) Otto Spence, who preceded her in death in 2012. Together, they built a loving family and a home where family and friends were always welcomed with open arms. Jody is survived by her two sons, Clay Spence and his wife Kelly and James Bryan “Jay” Spence and his wife Kim; her grandchildren, James Bryan “James” Spence and his wife Anna and Sarah Jaye Spence Fenner and her husband Tyler Fenner and great-granddaughter, Collins Fenner.

Jody worked in customer sales by telephone for Neiman Marcus, where her natural warmth and ability to connect with people were surely among her greatest gifts. She was also a longtime member of Park Cities Baptist Church, a community that held an important place in her life. After Neiman Marcus, Jody volunteered her time at the Scottish Rite for Children Hospital in Dallas.

Jody lived a full and active life. She was an avid tennis player and enjoyed playing bridge. She belonged to a women’s cultural club whose members regularly went on outings to learn more about Dallas, reflecting her lifelong curiosity and love of her community. She was also creative by nature and loved making jewelry and painting.

Jody loved Jesus and because of that personal relationship with Christ, her family was always her priority. She was a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother. Christ’s love extended far beyond her immediate family. Anyone who crossed her path was likely to be welcomed as a friend. If someone came to her home, they could count on one thing: they were staying for dinner. Jody had a way of making people feel there was always room at her table and always room in her heart.

Jody was a true friend—kind, loving, generous, funny, and interested in the lives of others. She could find humor in almost any situation and had a wonderful ability to make people laugh. Her warmth, hospitality, creativity, and joyful spirit touched countless lives.

Jody leaves behind not only her family, but also a lifetime of friendships and memories that will continue to bring laughter and comfort to those who knew and loved her. Her greatest legacy will be the lives she impacted by sharing God’s love. Jody extended grace so freely and the example she set of welcoming others, cherishing family, finding joy in everyday life, and never taking herself—or life—too seriously. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026 in Ellis Chapel at Park Cities Baptist Church at 2:00 pm, with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital in Dallas. (www.scottishriteforchildren.org)