Mary Jo Hollon Tobin

Mary Jo (Jody) Hollon Tobin, our precious mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a dear and treasured friend to many, was welcomed into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on September 3, 2024. Jody was the youngest of five children of “Boss” and Rosie Hollon. She was born September 18, 1932 at home on a grain and cotton farm outside of Mathis, Texas.  Although she lost her father in an accident at 18 months of age and lost an older brother to illness when she was 3 1/2 years old, her mother’s strong Christian faith used in raising Jody and her three older siblings shaped Jody’s character into the person she became. Rosie raised her children going to church and with a strong faith which gave Jody the source of her strength and carried her throughout her life. The radio was the main source of news and oil lamps were used for light. Electricity did not come to rural South Texas until after World War II. The Hollon Family’s participation in the Mathis community and their family events served to build a close-knit family and it continues today.  

While growing up in Mathis, Jody was very active as “Head Cheerleader”, “Most Popular Girl”, “Football Queen”, “Coronation Duchess” and “Lantana Duchess.” Jody attended the University of Texas at Austin, and became a member of the Student Christian Association and other groups. She pledged Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and served as Rush Captain her senior year. Jody was voted into the honorary Orange Jackets and Goodfellows and in the top 20 nominees for University Sweetheart. 

Jody married John Harold Tobin in 1953, in Mathis, where they made their home and raised their two children, Johnny and Julie. Jody taught primarily freshman English at Mathis High School for almost thirty years while John enjoyed a career in banking, ranching, and real estate. Jody is fondly remembered by her students for her loving kindness and patience which had a profound impact on many.  

In 1985, Jody and John moved to Dallas in 1985, building a home in Wylie where John was developing a subdivision and Jody continued teaching then started a very rewarding second career as a realtor for ReMax. Jody was very successful in her second career and her coworkers and her clients became dear friends. In 2014, moved to Dallas to be closer to her family and retired on her 86th birthday. Though teaching and real estate consumed much of her time, Jody always prioritized God and her family first. Cooking was a passion; Jody cherished every minute with her family and always made time to cook everyone’s favorite foods including RoRo’s chocolate cake for her son, Johnny, and Italian Cream Cake, Chicken Spaghetti and many other delicious recipes for her family. 

Jody is survived by her two children, John H. Tobin of Houston and Julie (Fred) Chaney of Dallas; a beloved “Nana” to three granddaughters and six great grandchildren. Jennifer (Tanner), Everly & Janie Vick, Christine (Brent), and Mary Grace (Jody’s namesake) Gafford, and Melissa (Chas), Tres, William and Graham Tobin Cliff. She is also survived by members of the Dehnisch, Hollon, Porter, Tobin, and Millikin families. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. John Brooks, Dr. Frank Dehnisch, Dr. Jack Martin and Maria Robledo. Jody will be truly missed by her family and numerous friends from Mathis, South Texas and Dallas. 

Memorials may be made to the Mathis Public Library, 103 N. Lamar St. Mathis, TX 78368 and STCH Ministries (South Texas Children’s Home), PO Box 1210, Beeville, TX 78104 

Services will be at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church in Mathis, Texas on Saturday, September 14, 2024 followed by interment at Cenizo Hill Cemetery. 

Memorial Service will be in Dallas, Texas on Saturday, September 21, 2024 10:00 am, Park Cities Baptist Church, Ellis Chapel.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of the professionals at Winsteads' Funeral Home. 361-547-3224, www.winsteadsfuneralhome.com