Erma Jo Cogburn, golden age of 93, peacefully passed from this life on Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Ft. Worth, Texas. She was born July 7, 1930, in Portales, New Mexico to William Hudson Pearson and Eula May Abernathy Pearson. Jo's birth mother passed when Jo was just a toddler and her great-aunt, "Momma" Ida Christina Abernathy Heflin, raised her. Jo married Aubrie Delton Cogburn on August 10, 1953, in Midland.

Jo graduated from Portales High School in 1948 and then moved from New Mexico to Lubbock, Texas where she attended Draughon's College of Business and after graduation, moved to Midland, Texas for work. She met her future husband, Delton Cogburn, at a church meeting in Sulphur, Oklahoma and they married and soon moved to San Antonio where they began their family. When their oldest son, Ray, was a toddler they relocated to De Leon, making their forever home here. Delton opened Cogburn Real Estate, a family business now in its 70th year of operation. Jo was a homemaker for her family, but she assisted in the family business as needed.

Jo's greatest priority in life was to serve and love the Lord. She was a faithful member of Southside Church of Christ and very rarely ever missed a service. Even up until her final weeks, she was steadfast and determined to get to church. Jo loved their home of fifty-seven years and took pride in caring for it. Jo was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with her children and their families every time she was able. She was selfless in her giving to others, often complete strangers. She would quietly look for opportunities to help others in their time of need. She possessed a true serving heart full of love and appreciation for the life she had been blessed with. She was a loyal friend to many and a loving neighbor always. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Jo's family wishes to thank her loving and attentive caregivers who helped her enjoy her final months on earth with dignity and grace. A special thank you to Stacey Israel and her staff, and Karen Guthery for their in-home care of Jo, and to the staff at De Leon Nursing and Rehab in her final weeks. Your compassion will always be appreciated and remembered.

Jo is survived by her son, Byrl Cogburn and wife, Eileen; daughter, Beth Watts and husband, Tim, and daughter in law, Karen Cogburn; grandchildren, Kendall Watts (Kayla), Gordon Watts (Lora), Brianna Bond (Jacob), Daniel Cogburn (LeAnn), Martin Cogburn (Brittany), and Sarah Perryman (Chad); great-grandchildren, Kainey, Kanaan, Kentlee, and Kaybri Watts, Callie and Sadie Bond, Chance Watts, Cash, Journey, Katie, Denver, Claira, Tanner, Raylan and Quinton Cogburn, and Mallory Perryman; numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family members. Jo has been reunited with her husband, Delton; son, Ray; momma, Ida Christina Heflin; parents, William and Eula Mae Pearson; four brothers; and one sister.

Funeral services celebrating Jo's life were held Friday, April 12, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Nowlin Anders Funeral Home with Ministers Russell Cremeen and Gaylon Cremeen officiating. Interment followed in Oliver Springs Cemetery. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the De Leon Volunteer Fire Department (PO Box 491, De Leon, Texas) in memory of Jo.