This was shared by Jody Grider Hisaka.

JoGail (Bailey)Pittman, a high school friend and cousin, has passed away. This beautiful tribute is written by her daughter-in-law.

My sweet Mother-in-law, my JoMomma went to rest in Jesus' arms finally today at 3:57. We drove in to Texas today. I have loved JoGail since I was 15 years old. She welcomed me into her home with a gentle and warm embrace even from the first time I met her. She always encouraged me and cheered me on. I shared many family activities and holidays with the Pittmans even before I was a Pittman! JoGail came with me when I shopped for my wedding dress and helped me get ready on that day. She excitedly helped me to be a new Mom. She taught me many things about raising a family through example. She was a wonderful Mother to us and a beautiful grandmother. When I read in the Bible that "Her children will rise up and call her blessed." Proverbs 31:28, I see JoGail in it.
One of the most important things that JoGail taught me was about suffering well. She realized at the young vibrant age of 54 that something was wrong with her mind. She went on to endure and persevered through the next 13 years with Frontotemporal Dementia. She suffered the humiliation of not being able to speak, fix her hair, makeup and clothes while being confused but somehow she was able to do it gracefully. She suffered knowing that she'd never get to read to, play games with, or make crafts with her grandkids as they grew. This hurt her bad but she didn't dwell on it and let it bring her to despair. She struggled socially with her dementia (and JoGail was very social) but she never stopped living life. She never was afraid to try new and sometimes strange and frustrating therapies and diets to help her heal, always fighting. Thankfully, I think she didn't fully grasp the magnitude of what the end of her life would be like and that was a tender mercy. JoGail never stopped praising the Lord even in the midst of her circumstances.When I read in the Bible "let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross..so that you will not grow weary and lose heart" Hebrews 12:1-3, I know just how JoGail was able to suffer well. When I suffer, I will remember her and follow her example.
We have missed her so much these past years. All our plans here fell apart. We trust that God's plans are the best plans though even if they dont make sense. We are so thankful that Jesus secured an eternity of joy to come beyond this finite, limited, and often unfulfilling time here on the Earth.
JoGail's service will be on Saturday at 10:00 at First Baptist Denton:
1100 Malone St., Denton, TX 76201.
Bill DeBerry Funeral Directors will be handling the arrangements:
2025 W University Dr, Denton, TX 76201

There will be a graveside service this Saturday, June 2, in Mineola at 3 PM.