Dr. Jo Ann Luckie passed peacefully on November 13, 2023 at age 86. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma to homemaker Bobbie Hitt Irving and oil field supervisor Charles Menard Irving, moving near Petronila School until her family settled in Corpus Christi.

After attending Driscoll Middle School, Dr. Luckie graduated from Miller High School in 1955, then earned a bachelor's degree in religion and philosophy in 1959 at Southwestern University in Georgetown. She then began her career in youth work and civil rights activism in the United Methodist Church, directing youth programs in Austin, Dallas, and Woodlawn Mennonite Church in Chicago.
In 1975, she launched the Senior Citizens and Special Populations programs at Del Mar College. Under her watch over 30 years, this office expanded to include the disabled, gay and lesbian students and much more.

She continued her work in gerontology into her seventies, completing a Master of Arts degree at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and her Ph.D. in Education from Texas A&M-College Station. Her studies expanded in the 90's to Wales and Scotland, where she researched issues affecting the elderly.

Her doctoral research opened new understanding of the causes for college dropouts, many of whom were merely "stop-outs" who took a break from studies or "opt-outs" who achieved their educational goals without necessarily completing a degree. This research planted seeds for the current understanding and funding of college achievement and success.

Her influential research, leadership and contributions to the field led to many accolades. In 1981, she was appointed as a delegate to the White House Conference on Aging and in 2001, as a Fellow of the Association of Gerontology in Higher Education. She was president and founding member of the Volunteer Action Committee, founding member for the Widowed Persons' Service, president of the Mayor's Council on Aging, and chairman of the Southwest Society on Aging, among other leadership roles.

While serving as president of the YWCA of Corpus Christi Board of Directors, she led the decision and initial fund raising to construct the current facilities on Corona Drive.  After retirement, she continued to serve as a trained mediator for Dispute Resolution Services.  As a member of All Saints' Episcopal Church, she played a key role in the creation of the beloved Labyrinth. Her pursuits of gerontology, writing poetry and music gave her great pleasure and satisfaction.

She is survived by her devoted son David Roland Cole of New York, her brother David Irving (Jean) of Portland, Texas, four cherished nieces and one nephew, as well as Godson and "adopted" nephew Erik Jackson DeFries and his parents, Bill and Claudia Jackson DeFries.

Many thanks to the talented and caring nurses and administrators at Trinity Towers/Holmgreen Center and Gentiva/Kindred Hospice care.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Del Mar College Foundation Scholarship Fund or the Corpus Christi YWCA.
GUARDIAN FUNERAL HOME - CC