Jo An Baria, 82, of Denton, passed away Sunday, May 3, 2015 in Denton, TX. She was born February 12, 1933 in Mesa, AZ to Archie Erastus Jacobson and Reba Catherine Pauline Jacobson. Jo An was raised in West Virginia with her extended family on Mary Street Hill in Charleston and often shared wonderful stories of her experiences growing up there.

Jo An married Richard Arlen Baria, Sr. in Cattlesburg, KY and moved with him to Texas where he pursued his career as an airline pilot with Braniff Airlines. They built their home in Denton and also helped their two sons build homes here. Jo An loved restoring things and she, Richard and the boys restored the Bayless-Selby-Baria home which housed both antiques and family members for many years. Jo An sold antiques and jewelry out of "The Old House" (as it was affectionately called by the family), as well as at various shows and markets from Texas to Tennessee to West Virginia.

Jo An never knew a stranger and loved getting to know people from all walks of life. She had a gift for decorating and could make any space look lovely with just a few ideas and some of her things. She loved fixing things up and helping everything look its best, including people. She was a wonderful cook who loved picnics on the porch and sending food to any child, grandchild or family who might need it. She was blessed with a giving and caring heart and will be sorely missed.

Jo An was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in various capacities in the church over her lifetime in Denton. She raised not only her sons and their families, but had a strong influence on many, many others who consider her related in spirit.

Visitation will be Thursday, May 7, 2015, 10:00, prior to the service at 11:00 AM. The visitation and service will be held at the LDS church, 4501 Teasley Lane in Denton, TX. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.

Jo An is survived by her husband, Richard Arlen Baria of Denton; sons, Richard Arlen Baria, Jr. (Diana) and David Edward Baria (Jo Ann); sisters, Marjorie Taylor of Louisville KY, Wanda Letendré of Huntington WV, and brother, James Jacobson of Charleston WV; 10 Grandchildren--Kathryn, Jennifer, Rebecca, Sam, Daniel, Elizabeth, Victoria, Benjamin, Gabriel and Michelle, and 7 great grandchildren.