JoAnn Halbrook Fite

On Friday, October 23, with her family gathered around her, JoAnn Halbrook Fite peacefully went to her eternal home with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

JoAnn was born on January 23, 1949, in St. Louis, MO. From the beginning, her life reflected a quiet strength, deep faith, and a genuine love for others. She was a woman who found joy in living out her faith in everyday ways. Her kindness was steady, her words thoughtful, and her presence comforting to all who knew her. Everyone who knew her loved her and enjoyed being with her.

JoAnn valued education and lifelong learning. She was a graduate of Hannibal-LaGrange College and Stephen F. Austin University. After moving to Lufkin, she devoted much of her professional life to serving young people, beginning her career with the Lufkin Independent School District as a paraprofessional. She later became a teacher in the Family and Consumer Sciences Department at Lufkin High School, where she faithfully served her students and colleagues. JoAnn retired in 2016 after 23 years of teaching at Lufkin High School, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, patience, and care for her students.

Above all, JoAnn was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a cherished grandmother, great grandmother, and a faithful friend. Her family was the center of her world, and she took great pride in each of them. She leaves behind a legacy of love faith, and an example that will continue through generations.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Cleo Halbrook, and brothers, Rick Halbrook and Randy Halbrook.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Jim Fite, with whom she shared a lifetime of love and devotion; her daughters, Carrie Fite of Liberty, MO and Lesley Lawson and husband Kendall of Lufkin; her sisters, Janet McLeod and husband Dennis of Kansas City, MO, Joyce Crowton of Troy, MO; brothers, Ron Halbrook and wife fay of Rolla, MO, Raymond Halbrook of Barnhardt, MO, and Robert Halbrook of Desoto, MO; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren, all of whom were deeply loved and treasured by her.

Visitation and celebration of life will be held on Friday October 30, 2026, at Lufkin Memorial Chapel.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Herty Baptist Church, designated for missions.