Jo Hobson Obituary

 Jo Mills "Burley" Hobson was born in Austin, Texas as the only child of Joseph and Nellie Mills. Jo, known as “JoJo” to her friends and family, grew up in Austin (her favorite town). She briefly lived in the Driskell Hotel, attended Austin public schools, and enjoyed exploring all of the historical and main attractions of Austin. She especially liked swimming in Barton Springs and visiting her relatives in nearby Taylor/Thrall.

She married Zane W. Burley, an engineer from Ohio working for Texaco. They enjoyed 45 years of marriage before he passed. Initially, the young Burley family moved to a couple of towns in Texas, finally settling in Austin. JoJo wanted her family to be in Austin, near relatives; and, especially her mother, Nellie.

JoJo was very involved in her children’s lives: the PTA, den mother, etc. She and Zane even accompanied a high school senior trip to New Orleans, as chaperones. Together, they inspired and guided their children to be creative and excel in everything they pursued; especially the arts and sciences. She was very proud that her children graduated from the University of Texas (the ONLY university in her mind!).

JoJo loved to travel and road trips were her favorite activity. She really loved to visit family including extended, regardless of their location. Often, as a young girl, she would pack a bag - and her cat - to go stay with relatives. She loved to travel with all of her family; especially to New Mexico and many destinations west of the Rockies. After her children left home, she pursued her love of the natural sciences by attending classes at Austin Community College and leading groups of children on tours at Austin’s Wild Basin Preserve. She often took her grandchildren to Barton Springs, the San Antonio Zoo, and the Hill Country. She and Zane would pile them all into their “big white van” and take off for the next adventure. She later replaced that beloved van with a truck, which included a sign on the passenger side dash saying, “Get In, Sit Down, Hold On, Shut Up” - much to the amusement of her grandchildren!

She later married Larry Hobson who predeceased her after 20 years of marriage. They lived at Canyon Lake, Texas; and often enjoyed attending music concerts, art festivals, and eating at their favorite restaurants in San Marcos.

As her grandchildren grew up, she loved to attend their activities; cheer competition, water polo, swimming, graduations, marriages, and military ceremonies. Later in life she loved to attend her great grandchildren’s activities. She was very proud of all of her offspring’s and their families’ achievements.

She is survived by her son Phillip Joseph Burley (wife Carol) and her daughter Jan Burley Hunt (husband Allan). The following grandchildren and their spouses: Forrest (Mitch), Alexandria, Zane, Ariel (Michael), Zack (Amanda), Addison (Luke), Lacy (Josh), Zach (Spenser), Chealsea (Anthony), April (Jeremy), Lisa, and Taylor. Her great grandchildren are: Danica, Price, Finnegan, Raegan, Kennedy, Nellie, Palmer, Blake, and Dakota Jo.

JoJo’s family is blended; however, she considered all of these children as her own. JoJo valued relationships. Her favorite past time was talking over a cup of coffee and often a slice of pie. She inspired others to be creative and to think “outside of the box” to achieve their goals and dreams. 

She deeply loved all of her family and friends. She was extremely loyal and supportive. Anyone would want her in their corner. She will be truly missed, but she is with the Lord and her people who have preceded her. As JoJo would say, “BKY!” (“Bless and Keep You!”) Her family is planning a tribute to her life in the near future