HANNON, JOZA JEAN (1926 ~ 2017). The following is an obituary for Joza Jean Hannon, spouse of George Hannon, former University of Texas golf coach and PGA award winner. The obituary was provided by Peel and Sons Funeral Home of Austin.
HANNON, Joza Jean
Jean "Jo" Shropshire Hannon was born on October 15, 1926 in Nocona, Texas, the only child of Chandler W. "Shrop" Shropshire and Joza Lucille Alexander Shropshire. Jo spent most of her childhood in Houston, and attended the University of Texas, where she met George Edward Hannon, who had returned to UT to finish his degree following service in the Army Air Corps during World War II.
Thus began her lifelong love affair with George and golf. After their marriage in 1947, Jo and George moved to Breckenridge, Dallas, and Austin over the next fourteen years, where George served as a golf professional. After their return to Austin, and George's appointment as Coach of the University of Texas Golf Team, Jo worked alongside him as the head cheerleader for the team. When George became the first Head Professional at Morris Williams G.C. while serving as Coach at UT, Jo worked there in the office.
Jo loved golfers, especially George, and as they had no children of their own, Jo mothered a generation of UT golfers, many of whom were far from home for the first time, doling out amazing dinners and motherly advice. She was a smart lady with a practical approach to life, strong opinions and a "feisty" personality! Jo also loved music, fine art, traveling, and entertaining.
After Coach Hannon retired in 1981, both he and Jo remained close to the golf team and its many alumni. Jo also was Exhibit Manager for the Vocational Home Economic Teacher Association in Austin for many years. Jo and George celebrated every birthday and anniversary and thoughtfully included many friends in their celebration circle for seventy years of marriage!
Jo is survived by Coach George Hannon and many cousins, including Connie Alexander of Fort Worth, Kathryn Alexander Blinn and Ken Alexander of Houston, Mary Alexander Ray of Chardon, Ohio, Martha Alexander Happ of Sandy, Utah, Therese Alexander Smyntek of Apopka, Florida, Patrick Alexander of Chesterland, Ohio, Lee Carine of Windermere, Florida, and their many children and grandchildren.
Services for Jo will be held on Tuesday October 17, 11 am at the Texas State Cemetery, 909 Navasota St. 78702. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hannon Cup Association, 2200 University Club Dr., Austin 78732
Published in Austin American-Statesman on Oct. 15, 2017
