Anna Jo Murray Risinger

Anna Jo Murray Risinger, daughter of J.E. and Mary Lou Murray, was born November 25, 1932, in Reklaw, Texas and went to be with our Lord June 23, 2011, after a lengthy illness. She is preceded in death by her parents and infant son. Anna Jo grew up in Reklaw and graduated from Rusk High School in 1949. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University where she received her bachelor's and master's degrees. While attending college, Anna Jo married the love of her life, James Risinger. In 1952, Anna Jo began her teaching career in Leverett's Chapel. While teaching in Leverett's Chapel, Anna Jo served as the president of the Rusk County chapter of the Texas State Teachers Association. After teaching in Leverett's Chapel for 7 years, Anna Jo and James moved to Deer Park, Texas and lived there for 48 years. While living in Deer Park, she taught elementary students in Deer Park and middle school students in Baytown and La Porte. Anna Jo also taught undergraduate education courses at the University of Houston. Even after Anna Jo retired from teaching, she continued teaching by leading a women's Bible study at Deer Park United Methodist Church, where she was a member for 48 years. Anna Jo enjoyed crafts and created many gifts for friends and family. She also enjoyed traveling and watching her grandsons in their many activities. Anna Jo was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and friend to all who knew her. As an example for all of us, Anna Jo walked daily with her Lord and invited others to walk with Him as well. She is survived by James, her husband of 60 years; daughters Luann Mire and her husband, Patrick Mire of San Antonio; Beth Wilder and her husband, Clay Wilder of Henderson; and four grandsons: Alan Mire, Andrew Mire, John Wilder, and Ben Wilder. The four grandsons and son-in-laws will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request that donations be made to the following: Hospice of East Texas at 4111 University Blvd, Tyler, TX 75701, First United Methodist Church at 204 N. Marshall, Henderson, TX 75652, and/or Deer Park United Methodist Church at 1300 East 13th St., Deer Park, TX 77536.The private family burial will be held at Walker Chapel Cemetery at 11:00, Saturday, June 25th, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. David Luckert and Rev. Ricky Ricks officiating at Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Chapel in Henderson, Texas.

Anna Jo Murray Risinger

November 25, 1932 - June 23, 2011