Jo Ann Short

Jo Ann Schwarz Short was born on October 13, 1928, to George August Schwarz and Connie Elizabeth Davison Schwarz. She grew up on a farm in Mercedes, where she cherished the close-knit bond of a large extended family. As the second of five children, Jo Ann always credited her position between two brothers for giving her the confidence to take on any challenge. She was incredibly proud to be the first girl to show a calf at the Mercedes Livestock Show, a testament to her determination and pioneering spirit.

Jo Ann lived in McAllen for over forty years, where she became a well-known and respected member of the community. She owned several businesses throughout her career, including a skating rink and the popular Razor’s Edge hair salon. Jo Ann was an avid gardener who enjoyed sharing plants from her garden with others. She was deeply involved with the Master Gardeners group, organizing memorable trips to Mexico and the Texas Hill Country, and often traveled to Mexico with close friends. In addition to her passion for gardening, Jo Ann was an active volunteer for Friends of the McAllen Library, Unity of the Valley, and a dedicated volunteer at Quinta Mazatlan, to name a few. She also loved hosting gatherings for family and friends, always creating a welcoming and joyful atmosphere.

In 2013, she moved to John Knox Village in Weslaco, where she made many new friends and cherished memories. 

Jo Ann was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Chester Short, her brothers George Schwarz, Jr. and Kirk Forrest Schwarz, and her sister Nancy Plante.

She is survived by daughter Cindy (RR) Rodriguez, son Jack Rainwater (Vicki), two granddaughters, three great-grandsons, her brother David Schwarz and sister-in-law Linda Schwarz, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Human Kindness Foundation PO Box 61619 Durham NC 27715 or a charity of your choosing.