Linnie Jo Crowder, 88, died in Dalhart, TX, Tuesday, September 8, 2020. A graveside service was held at Memorial Park Cemetery in Dalhart, TX at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 11, 2020. Linnie Jo Jennings was born to Audra (Bryan) and Luther Jennings on Sunday, December 27, 1931 in Bennington, OK. Jo grew up in various towns in north and West Texas, the daughter of a farming and preaching family. At age 8, Jo contracted Scarlet Fever which almost took her life, and left her weak and unable to walk. Her family was quarantined for fear of spreading the disease. Her parents cared for her and through grit and determination she survived and learned to walk again. At age 16, in 1948, she married Alex Belcher Crowder in Sweetwater, TX. Jo graduated high school and went on to attend 3 colleges at once and earned her bachelors degree in Education. Alex "Bud" and Jo had 3 children, Buddy, Susie and Nisa and moved to Lubbock, where Jo taught elementary education and raised her family. She earned her masters degree and retired after serving 30 years as a passionate educator. In 1986, Jo applied to be the first teacher in space aboard the space shuttle Challenger and was selected as the finalist for Lubbock Independent School District. She had always dreamed of travelling to space and was devastated when the Challenger lift-off disaster occurred. After retirement, she and her husband moved to Roaring Springs, TX and enjoyed community activities and a slow-paced country life. She believed God saved her from the Scarlet Fever years before for the purpose of caring for her family and extended family. She faithfully tended to her parents, in-laws, sister, husband, and children. She was never too tired or busy to make a meal, transport to doctors appointments or sit with sick ones. She fulfilled Gods purpose for her on this earth with love and dedication. She peacefully went to the loving arms of Jesus, surrounded by family in her home. She will be sorely missed by family and community alike. Jo is survived by one son, Alex B. Crowder, III of Lubbock, and 2 daughters, Susan Vanaria of Simsbury, CT and DeNisa Brown and husband Curtis of Dalhart, TX. She was blessed with 6 grandchildren: Janice Krallman and husband Mike, Amber Hale and husband Robert, Dustin Brown and wife Elisa, Hannah Brown, Brett Sponzo and Stephanie Sponzo, 5 great-grandchildren: Shandy, Noble, Brooklyn, Carter and Sawyer. She loved her daily visits from little Ethan. She is survived by 1 sister, Mertha Lee Cook of Matador, TX and dear nieces and nephews from Texas and Colorado. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sisters, Genetta and Judy and her brother, Sonny. Her family is grateful for her life of serving God and others. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Linnie Jo Crowder, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store. Graveside Service Memorial Park Cemetery Friday, September 11, 2020 10:00 AM 101 Cherry Dalhart, Texas 79022