County clerk 'will be sorely missed'

CLOVIS — Curry County Deputy Clerk Annie Hogland had this to say about her friend, Jo Lynn Queener:

“Jo Lynn shared such a special bond with so many people. She could light up a room, a workplace and an entire community. And no matter what she did, she made sure to share that light with others.”

Curry County Assessor Candace Morrison said Queener had an “enigmatic laugh and bubbly perspective on life.”

“She was always willing to help out those around her by pitching in and offering a positive viewpoint, with a few laughs along the way.”

Curry County Clerk Queener, 48, died Thursday night in a Lubbock hospital, with family at her side, County Manager Lance Pyle said.

Family members said she suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm. She had been transported to Lubbock via ambulance early Tuesday afternoon.

“Clerk Queener was a beloved member of our community, a great asset to Curry County and will be sorely missed,” Pyle said in a statement Friday. “I ask the residents of Curry County to keep her family and her county family in your thoughts and prayers.”

Officials said Queener worked from Aug. 3, 2015, to Dec. 31, 2016, in the County Assessor’s office as a county services specialist and took office as the elected county clerk on Jan. 1.

Queener’s position will be filled by Deputy Clerk Hogland until county commissioners can appoint a successor, officials said, to serve until the next general election.

“I believe that Jo Lynn’s greatest contribution to our community was her unshakable spirit,” Hogland said. “She had the strongest, genuine spirit and a heart the size of Texas.

“She was unquestionably dedicated to public service and bringing happiness to others in the process. Her loyalty to her family, friends, and neighbors shaped her commitment to Curry County, because their needs were her priority.

“I hope that each and every person she has touched will continue to spread her light, love, and happiness — because we all know that would make her smile.” 

Morrison said she considers herself privileged to have had a relationship with Queener.

“Jo Lynn was truly an amazing individual,” she said. “She was the most energetic, optimistic and caring person I have ever met. She had such a tremendous impact on my life that it does not seem possible that I have only known her for close to two years.

“Her personality, energy and kindness radiated out and immediately put you in a better mood. She made Curry County a better place with her bubbly personality, helpful attitude, humor and magnetism.”