Jo Anna Spiker McWilliams
September 26, 1948- June 11, 2008

A native Texan, Jo Anna spent most of her life in the Metroplex area. She grew up in Farmers Branch and was a product of R. L. Turner High School and the University of North Texas. Jo Anna lived in Addison. After a long battle with breast cancer, Jo Anna passed away on June 11, 2008. She is preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Kathryn Spiker of Farmers Branch. She is survived by her devoted husband Bruce, sisters: Winona Derrick of Garland and Joy DeBord of Garland. She was an active member and usher of St. Andrew United Methodist Church of Plano. Jo Anna chose accounting as her profession starting as an accounting clerk, working her way through several management layers to become the Controller for Southwestern States Bankcard Association. Always wanting to expand her horizons she took on the Texas CPA exam, passing all four parts on the first try. Jo Anna then joined Price Waterhouse as a Consulting Practice Manager. For the past fifteen years Jo Anna was employed by Oracle Corporation as a Senior Consultant implementing financial software applications. She was considered an expert in global implementations. To build her communication and speaking skills Jo Anna joined Toastmasters International in 1981. Served as District 25 Governor (1988-89), was elected to the Toastmasters Board of Directors as International Director (1992-94). She continued on with her Toastmasters career and was elected President of Toastmasters International in Miami Beach, August 2000. She is only the third woman to serve as President in the organization's 84-year history. She continues to receive many positive comments about her presidential theme: "Friends Helping Friends Succeed." A private graveside service was held this week at Restland Memorial Park. The family requests contributions be sent to: Susan G. Komen for the Cure (komen.org) or Toastmasters International, Ralph C. Smedley Educational Fund, P.O. Box 9052, Mission Viejo, CA 92690. Starting July 1, 2008, a special web tribute to Jo Anna may be seen at: www.restlandfuneralhome.com/serviceinfo.php. A worship service celebrating her life will be held at 10am, Saturday, July 12th at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75093. Jo Anna always put others first, a true professional in every sense, gracious and graceful. She was a lover of music, theatre, doves, world travel and cooking. To her enormous circle of international friends, she will always be remembered for her smile, her kind words and her generosity. There are no words adequate to describe the depth of our love and respect for her, yet we draw strength from knowing we will all be together again one day. Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow.   Restland 972-238-7111 restlandfuneralhome.com