Jo Marion Ellis October 21, 1938 ~ June 4, 2026 Jo Marion Williams Ellis, age 87, of Buffalo, Texas, passed peacefully on June 4, 2026, at Our Hospice House in Belton, with her daughter, granddaughters, and nieces by her side.
Celebration of Life services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Scott’s Funeral Home with private family internment following at Moffat Cemetery. The family will welcome visitors one hour prior to services at the funeral home.
Jo was born in Mills County, Texas, on her Dad’s birthday, October 21,1938 to Norman Glenn Williams and Dottie Williams. She grew up with a strong work ethic, a generous heart, and a deep love for family. Those qualities shaped her life.
Jo married Harry Ellis, her partner in all things. Together they built a life rooted in ranching, running cattle auction barns, hard work, and community. For many years, Jo worked in auction barns across East Texas, writing tickets with precision and speed, and a sass that made her a favorite. They were well respected for their knowledge of cattle and ranching.
At home, Jo was known for her extraordinary talents in the kitchen, garden and at the sewing machine. She cooked with love, sewed with care, and shared both generously with anyone fortunate enough to be loved by her—especially her family.
Jo was preceded in death by her husband Harry; her parents; her son, Billy Dale Smiley; her sister, Wilma Williams Neal; and her brothers, Billy Ray Williams and Glenn Williams.
She is survived by her daughter Teresa Smiley Wolfe; grandson Chris Wolfe; granddaughters Elizabeth Jo Jordan (RJ) and Carol Dellynn Smiley Pope (Neal); sister-in-law Janie Whatley; eleven greatgrandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who cherished her deeply.
Jo’s life was a story of admirable strength, generosity, and the kind of love that leaves a lasting imprint on generations. She will be remembered for her pranks, laughter, her generous gifts, and love of family.
We’d like to say a special thanks to nieces Sonja, Celeste, and Alecia, granddaughters Dellynn and Elizabeth and sisterin- law Janie who cared for her and walked her gently home to her Savior.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to either Our Hospice House of Belton, Texas or the Court Franklin Memorial Scholarship at Baylor University School of Engineering.