SEPTEMBER 18, 1925 – OCTOBER 10, 2026
In the Care of Laird Funeral Home
Martha Jo Ballard (Jo) passed peacefully on October 10, 2026 in Nacogdoches, Texas. She had just celebrated her 101st birthday. She was born on September 18, 1925 in Nacogdoches to William Terrell and Liddie D Mangham. She is survived by her sister Sue Wheeler; son Richard Ballard; daughter Suzan Ballard Shukay; grandchildren, Scott Henriksen, Lisa Ballard and Barbara Ballard; great grandchildren Eli Henriksen, Kate Muaz, Garrett Ledford, Max Ballard-Glynn, Freddy Ballard-Glynn and great great grandson Jawad Muaz.
Jo grew up in Nacogdoches and graduated from Nacogdoches High School in 1943. After meeting Vaughn Ballard in Algebra class when they were 14, they dated until they married on August 30, 1944. They were married for 69 years until his passing on December 25, 2013. Jo and Vaughn raised two children, Rich and Suzan, living in New York, California, and Virginia until returning to Texas in 1980 where they settled in Arlington, Texas. After Vaughn’s passing in 2013, Jo remained in Arlington until 2018 when she relocated to Nacogdoches to be closer to her sister Sue and reside at The Arbor.
The family wants to thank the staff at The Arbor and Tantra Davis-CNA and Chelsey Miller-RN with Harbor Hospice and Dr. Carl Davis for their care of Jo for almost eight years. We also thank Jo’s sister, Sue, for all of the love and care she gave.
A graveside service will be held on October 30, 2026 at 10:30 am at Sunset Memorial Park.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Martha Jo (Mangham) Ballard, please Laird Funeral Home’s floral store.