Jo Nell Jensen

Jo Nell Jensen was born in Port Arthur, Texas on October 4, 1936 to Opal and Clyde Smith. Jo Nell graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School as well as Port Arthur College.

Upon graduation, Jo Nell worked as a secretary at Charles Martin Inspectors of Petroleum. She went on to work at Texaco, where she had the opportunity to be the first woman to be in charge of scheduling tugboats to maneuver and transport ships.

While at Texaco, Jo Nell met the love of her life, William P. Jensen. They were married on May 17, 1974 and were happily married for 40 years until Bill’s death in 2014. Their love and dedication for each other was apparent to anyone who came in contact with them.   Theirs is a one in a million love story.

During their time together, they shared many adventures. Travelling was one of their favorite activities. With Bill being a ship’s captain, Jo Nell was given the opportunity to travel through the Panama Canal on board the ship with him. It was an unforgettable experience that she would always treasure.

Every year Bill and Jo Nell spent several months in their second home on the beach in Fernandina, Florida, where time was spent admiring the beautiful ocean, visiting with family and friends, attending worship, and enjoying local festivals, restaurants, and markets. However, Jo Nell’s favorite place to be, was sitting on the deck taking in the beach scenery.

Jo Nell held a deep love and respect for the ocean, the beach, and all its creatures and wonders. Her admiration for God’s created beauty was apparent through her travels, décor, and conversations.

Jo Nell Jensen was a beautiful, caring, loving daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, and will be dearly missed by everyone in her life.