Jo Ann Dockens
Jo Ann Dockens, 52, of Groves, died Thursday, September 16, 2021. She was born April 6, 1969, in Port Arthur.
Jo Ann graduated from Port Neches – Groves High School where she was an Indianette and an Officer. In her younger years she played softball in the Groves Girls Softball League, and she took dance for thirteen years. She even won Miss Congeniality as a Cav-Oil-Cade participant.
Jo Ann attended Lamar University, Beaumont and received her Bachelor of Theology from Triumph Bible Institute. She was a very active member of her community and truly loved to do the Lord’s work. She was a faithful member of Life Church, Port Arthur where she was an elder and youth pastor.
Jo Ann enjoyed being involved in her church and community. Over the years she has served as a volunteer for the Life Youth intern coordinator; as a band mom she was an event volunteer for Port Neches – Groves ISD and managed many fundraisers; and she was also a volunteer for the Red Ribbon Parades and Groves Old Town Christmas. Jo Ann was the office manager for Traditions Portraits. She previously worked at Port Neches – Groves as the Secretary for the Band Action Committee; a board member of Groves Chamber of Commerce; a United States Postal worker; and a secretary at Groves Elementary.
Jo Ann made a very huge impact on all that were blessed to know her. From her family, church family, friends, and community members – she will be sorely missed.
Survivors include her mother, Sandra Mertens; husband, Samuel Dockens; children, Daniel and David Dockens and was a second mom to Jason, Rebecca, and Mary; and father-in-law, Scott Swanzy.
A gathering of Mrs. Dockens’ family and friends will be 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday, September 24, 2021, at Life Church, 4600 Jimmy Johnson Boulevard, Port Arthur. Her memorial service will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 25, 2021, at Life Church. Cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland.
Please observe social distancing guidelines. By attending any public event you are acknowledging the risk of exposure to the Coronavirus. Please follow the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control: cdc.gov
Gathering of Family and Friends
- September 24, 2021
- 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Memorial Service
- September 25, 2021
- 10:00 am
Committal
Broussard’s Crematorium
- 5150, Stivers Dr, Beaumont, TX, 77705,
This woman right here was the most loving and caring person I know…she was always there to listen and help out our youth at church…she helped with her husband (boyfriend) by her side save many souls!!! She saved my GRANDS! She had a smile like no other! She loved her boys to infinity and beyond! She was so excited for her mothers next chapter. I will never forget my last hug and smile and she reached out to us during the COVID asking where my GRANDS were and when would they be back…Gator as she named him and GiGi adored her. This world lost a true angel…But heaven gained one of the best!!! I love you and will miss you my friend until we meet again. It is still hard to wrap my heart around this…
You will be missed! We love ❤️ you Mrs. JoAnn.
I was privileged to work with Jo Ann, three and a half years at GE in the office. What a blessing she was to everyone that she came in contact with! Our prayers are with her family for the days ahead.
A Mother’s Crown
By an Unknown Author
Heaven lit up with a mighty presence,
as the Angels all looked down.
The Lord was placing the jewels
Into Your mother’s crown.
He held up a golden crown,
He said in His gentle voice,
‘I will now explain each one.’
‘The first gem,’ He said, ‘is a Ruby,
and it’s for endurance alone,
for all the nights you waited up
for your children to come home.’
‘For all the nights by their bedside,
you stayed till the fever went down.
For nursing every little wound,
I add this ruby to your crown.’
‘An emerald, I’ll place by the ruby,
for leading your children in the right way.
For teaching them the spiritual lessons,
That made them who they are today.’
‘For always being right there,
through all life’s important events.
I give you a sapphire stone,
for the time and love you spent.’
‘For untying the strings that held them,
when they grew up and left home.
I give you this one for courage.’
Then the Lord added a garnet stone.
‘I’ll place a stone of amethyst,’ He said.
‘For all the times you spent on your knees,
when you asked if I’d take care of your children,
and then for having faith in Me.’
‘I have a pearl for every little sacrifice
that you made without them knowing.
For all the times you went without,
to keep them happy, healthy and growing.’
‘And last of all I have a diamond,
the greatest one of all,
for sharing unconditional love
whether they were big or small.’
‘It was your love that helped them grow
Feeling safe and happy and proud
A love so strong and pure
It could shift the darkest cloud.’
After the Lord placed the last jewel in,
He said, ‘Your crown is now complete,
your place in Heaven,
With your children at your feet
Mrs Jo I’ll miss seeing your beautiful face and you were so big heated and loved everyone around others I love you Mrs Jo and I’ll miss you it’s not goodbye and not farewell I’ll see you again
Jo was an amazing person. I remember when I first met her and she was so welcoming. I enjoyed the time that I got to talk to her. You could be having a bad day and she had a way of cheering you up. The loss of her presence is truly felt. My prayers are with her family.
You will always be a beautiful soul, put on Earth to love and watch over all you came in contact with. I know your new job is to take on the role of guardian angel to your MOM, Sandra, your two handsome sons and those that cherished you so. Fly high sweet lady. Your body no longer confines you. You are free.