Jo Ann Holt Sweatt

Odessa, TX

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It was not until this year (2006) that I  found out about our class of '58 website and was so thrilled to read all the bios.  I did not even know about the 2003 reunion, but that was my own fault.  I should have asked Pampa High about any reunions.  My brother, Ken, still lives in Pampa and told me about the website.  I asked Mike how to go about writing a bio and, though it made me a little nervous, I finally bit the bullet so here goes……..

The great thing I have noticed about the bios is that several have mentioned that growing up in Pampa was a good experience as well as the education they received.  I agree with this as I have so many wonderful memories of Pampa and the people.  Whenever I come to Pampa, one of the first things I do is get in my car and drive around down town.  I love the brick streets.  And yes, Coney Island brings back memories ... don’t know if it’s still there since I have not been up there in quite a while.  Also, great landmarks for remembrance are Patrick's and Caldwell's.

One of my fondest memories is my first grade teacher, Ms. Bradley, at Sam Houston.  She had never had a leap year child in her class (Feb. 29).  She and the class gave me a Bible with my name engraved, and every leap year she gave me something including when I graduated from high school.

After graduation, I went to West Texas State College in Canyon along with others from Pampa.  I lasted one semester, got homesick, and went to Frank Phillips Jr. College a semester.  The next year I “grew up” and went back to West Texas State and joined the Chi Omega Sorority.  I met Kerry Sweatt and married in August, 1960.  I worked for the college while he finished his degree.

For the next 22 years we moved all over the state of Texas in his career as City Manager.  We lived in Richardson (our daughter Teri was born in 1963; she died in October of 2005 from a stroke).  Next we moved to Galveston for 2 years, then to Stamford for 5 years; then to Ennis (our daughter Cynthia was born in 1970); then to Paris (Texas, not France) for 4 years.  Our last move was to Odessa in 1977.  I became divorced in 1982.

During all of these moves we were all very active in church, school activities and social gatherings.  I loved being a housewife and mother.  So when I became divorced I had to readjust myself and become a working mother.  I worked for Phillips Petroleum Company for 15 years in the Property Taxes, Real Estate and Claims department.  Then I got caught up in one of their many layoffs. I am still a member of the Jane Phillips Society.  We have a luncheon meeting once a month which gives me a chance to see some retirees and current employees.  I did get a retirement from them.  I got on with the City of Odessa as an administrative assistant and have been there for 10 years.

My daughter Cynthia has two children, Cameron - 7 and Caitlyn - 5.  She is a kindergarten teacher.  I see them a lot as they live here in Odessa.

My daughter Teri has 5 children:  Sidney - 2, Kennedy - 5, Jett - 6, Kasey - 10 and Josh - 20.  Josh lives in Michigan; Sidney lives in Odessa; and the remaining live in Ballinger.

 I must compliment Mike, Joy and whoever else works on this website and the reunions; you all have done a great job.  I am really looking forward to the next reunion since I have never been.  Hope I will not look too old by then!!!!