Jo Ann Tiller's Obituary
Jo Ann (Kirkland) Tiller of Houston, Texas passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, September 21, 2025, with her husband by her side.
Jo Ann was born in Houston, Texas on October 27, 1942 to Eva (Armstrong) and Ernest Kirkland. She met her High School sweetheart Gregory (Butch) Tiller her Freshman year and was married after graduation on August 6, 1960. They recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary after raising three boys and sharing the joy of 7 grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Lois Wright and Carol Sue Kirkland. She is survived by her the husband and their three sons, and their families. Her son’s families include Gary and Nicole Tiller of Fripp Island, South Carolina and their daughters, Isabel, Savannah and Caroline; Greg Tiller of Grandview, Texas and his daughters Katherine Tiller and Grace Duhon (husband Josh) and Glen and Tina Tiller of League City, Texas and their daughter Ashlyn and son Coleman. In addition, she is survived by her sister Mary (Kirkland) Doss and her husband Keith Doss and family in Philadelphia, Mississippi.
Jo Ann graduated from Milby High School where she lettered in Band and Volleyball. After Butch was drafted into the Army, they moved to Washington State to finish his service before moving back to South Houston to raise a family together. She was active with her children’s schools and sports, serving as Room and Team Mother. Jo was a true “Boy Mom”, always outnumbered, but kept the boys (including Butch) on their toes with her sharp mind and a quick wit. Jo was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of South Houston and later Hillcrest Baptist Church in Jasper, Texas, where she and Butch moved after retirement.
Jo Ann loved music, travel, their fishing pond and mowing grass. She taught us to value family, curiosity, a strong work ethic and to not be afraid to hug and tell people you love them.
As a breast cancer survivor (1986) and nature and dog lover, contributions to those causes in lieu of flowers are appreciated.
Jo will have a private inurnment at South Park Cemetery (Pearland, Texas) with Celebration of Life gatherings for family and close friends.
You are so loved…
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