of Marshall, AR
October 14, 1926 - January 18, 2022
Margaret Jo Wasson, age 95 of Marshall, Arkansas passed from this life on Tuesday, January 18th, 2022 at Highland Court in Marshall, Arkansas. She was born at home in the Bear Creek Community of Searcy County, Arkansas on October 14th, 1926 to Irvin Bishop Wasson and Pearl Jane Turney Wasson. Her family operated a small country store, post office, and grist mill for several years on Bear Creek. Jo was a lifelong resident of Searcy County.
Jo's first schooling was at Bear Creek's community school, Cooper School. Her first teacher was Theodore Atkinson who boarded with the Wasson family while teaching on Bear Creek. Later at the beginning of fifth grade, Jo went to Snowball School where she graduated from high school with the class of 1944. During the school-week at Snowball School, Jo stayed at the home of her Grandmother Turney and shared a bedroom with her Aunt Woodroe. She would walk a mountain trail from Snowball back home to Bear Creek on weekends. Jo attended Central College and Teachers College (now University of Central Arkansas) at Conway where she earned a B.S.E. degree in 1950 and M.S.E. degree in Elementary Education in 1968. Jo taught 41 and one-half years in Searcy County. The Wasson's moved from Bear Creek to Snowball in 1946, where they continued to farm and raise beef cattle. In the early 1950's, they gave the land to build the Snowball Baptist Church upon. In 1967, the Wasson's bought a small acreage two miles west of Marshall and built a new home. The garden was a favorite spot around her cherished home place as she enjoyed growing vegetables and flowers. As Margaret Jo's life story was showered with a wonderful friendship garden of loving family, cherished students and fellow teachers, trusted business advisors, dedicated medical team, joyous traveling buddies, wonderful walking buddies, and blessed brothers and sisters in Christ, there's a bountiful harvest of precious memories! "A sweet friendship refreshes the soul"...Proverbs 27:9. Jo was a well respected Christian lady who was a friend of many. Jo attended Landmark Missionary Baptist Church in Marshall and was also a charter member of Snowball Baptist Church in Snowball. She was a lifetime member of Arkansas Teacher Retirement & Searcy County Teacher Retirement, a committee member of Snowball School Reunion & Homecoming, a member of Arkansas Cattlemen's Association, a member of the Searcy County Ancestor Information Exchange, and an honored Woodman Life's 2021 Fraternalist of the Year.
Survivors include Jo's first cousins, Mary Margaret Horton and husband James, their son, Michael and wife Lesley and their grandson, Silas, all of Snowball and Mary Jane Holder of Harrison; and a host of extended family and friends who will mourn her passing.
Jo was preceded in death by her dear parents, Bishop and Pearl Wasson; her brother, who was stillborn (1925) and buried at Bear Creek Cemetery; and her cherished family of grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Funeral services for Jo will be 2:00 PM Saturday, January 22nd, 2022 at Roller-Coffman Chapel in Marshall, Arkansas with Bro. Roy Ragland officiating. Visitation will be 1:00 till 2:00 PM preceding the service. Burial will be in East Lawn Cemetery where Jo will rest beside her parents. Bearers will be Michael Horton, Rick Horton, Sid Lowrance, Bill McEntire, Johnny Neel and Steve Padilla. Honorary bearers will be Highland Court Staff. The family would like to thank the staff of Highland Court for their "outstanding care!" In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Snowball Civic Club for renovations of the Snowball Gym; mail to, Cathy Griffin, 304 Ozark Mountain Lane, Marshall, AR 72650 or direct deposit to First National Bank of North Arkansas in Marshall, Arkansas.
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51 Condolence(s)
Melinda Wasson
Thursday, September 7, 2023
I am sad to just learn of my dear cousin’s passing. We usually write or spoke at Christmas each year. Love you and will miss you sweet Jo. Save me a place on the other side💕
Marinda Holliman
Thursday, February 3, 2022
My sympathies to the loved ones of family and friends she leaves behind. She was my third grade teacher in 1957. I can still remember the class room and things she taught. Miss Wasson was such a kind dear person. I continued to enjoy her lovely smile and conversations at the many activites of gatherings for the Marshall School, Chocolate roll cook off, County fairs , and Ancestor fairs which brought a host of searcy county folks together. Her presence will be missed. Prayer for peace and comfort. Marinda (Allen) Holliman
Heather Blair
Wednesday, January 26, 2022
I met Jo Wasson about 20 years ago when I was working on genealogy. Eli Jackson Wasson and Frances Angeline Voorhees were her great grandparents, and my great-great-great grandparents, making us second cousins, twice removed. She was so kind, and I had just gotten a Christmas letter from her this year, when I heard of her death. My sympathies to all who knew Jo.
Wesley and Loretta Smith
Saturday, January 22, 2022
Jo was a fine lady and a friend of mine
Gay phung
Saturday, January 22, 2022
MS Jo. .a sweet lady we will miss you . May you RIp
Sid lowrance
Saturday, January 22, 2022
Alice Daniels ask me to said she just could not attend Jo's service. I visit with Alice this morning before Jo's service and she spoke about her time with Jo before she retired from teaching and their family ties. God Bless You all.
Joann Smith Thornton
Saturday, January 22, 2022
Miss Wasson was my third grade teacher. My condolences to her family and friends. She was a beautiful, sweet lady.
Sheila Horton Douglas
Saturday, January 22, 2022
What a wonderful loving soul! JO was a wonderful woman who was loved and respected by all who crossed her path. She was very loving, cheerful. and a Fantastic pie maker. My life has been better just by being able to call her my FRIEND! See you later Joâ¤ï¸
Eddie, and Kathy Morrison
Thursday, January 20, 2022
We are saddened to hear about Jo passing away. She was always smiling, and so nice. We send her family, and friends our deepest sympathy, and prayers.
Arlin & Jeanie Daniel
Thursday, January 20, 2022
We were saddened to hear of the passing of sweet Jo. She was such a dear cousin of Arlin's mom, Alline. Mary Jane Holder, Alline and Jo called themselves "the triplets" because they were all born in the same year and were always so close. They always talked about the good times they had together. She and Alline are finally reunited in heaven. We loved you Jo. Arlin & Jeanie
Billie Brisco
Thursday, January 20, 2022
I considered Jo a good friend. She always had a smile and a positive word to say. We well miss those notes and cards that she was always sending. I remembered her playing the piano at Snowball Baptist a few years ago. Praying for family.
James and Gayle Tilley
Thursday, January 20, 2022
So sorry to hear of the passing of Jo. Our condolences to all members of her family!
James “Jim†Luker
Thursday, January 20, 2022
My grandfather Charlie Luker and his family came to Searcy County in the early 30’s and worked for Mr. Wasson for a number of years. I remember going to his farm at Snowball many times to bird hunt. Ms. Jo was close in age with my parents Joe and Zulu Luker and my aunt Marguerite and they became lifelong friends. Several years ago she helped me find my grandparents graves in Canaan cemetery.
She was a beautiful person and I know she will be missed by many.
Jim Luker
Coy & Sue Horton
Thursday, January 20, 2022
Ms Jo was a good friend and neighbor. She was also my 3rd grade teacher and one of my favorites She will be missed so much. sympathy and prayers to her family and friends.
Peggy and Johnny Smith
Thursday, January 20, 2022
We are so sorry for your loss. We were blessed to know Jo and knew what a blessing she was to your family. I can’t remember her without a smile which was contagious. I know she will be greatly missed.
Junior Padilla
Thursday, January 20, 2022
Cathy Griffin
Thursday, January 20, 2022
So sorry, hugs to her family. Even tho i didn't know her, Duane had spoke about her most admirably.
Janice Harness Todd
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
As a third grade teacher she had a positive impact on many young people in her class. It was an honor to have been one of those students. She was the embodiment of the definition of a lady. I was glad to have a short visit with her recently at Highland Court. RIP Miss Wasson.
Shirley J. Gray
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Jo was a GREAT Lady and will be missed dearly. Jo told me one day that she had taught all of Dad and Mom children and I told Jo, no I was the only unlucky one. Jo said she thought that she had all off us. Well she was going to check that out. Jo called me later and said that I was right, she never had me in her class. Jo was a very special lady helping me with information on my Gray family from Snowball.
Beverly Massey
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
I never saw her without a smile on her face. She truly exemplified a Christian and her presence in this earth will be missed.
Debbie Watts and Craig Coffey
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Heaven has gained another angel! She was a wonderful lady. They just don't make them like her anymore. Always enjoyed talking with her. Mary Margaret, I know you and your family are going to miss her greatly. May your memories bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Eddie & Pam Cannada
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
We are so sorry to hear of Ms Jo passing. She was my third grade teacher and a favorite. Loved talks with her. She was always so happy. She will be missed, but fondly remembered.
Melissa Tyler
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Jo was a delight. She will be missed by all that knew her. My condolences and prayers for her sweet family.
Steve & Paula Smith
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
We were so saddened to hear of Miss Jo’s passing, we will always remember her with a smile on her face. I know she will be missed
Malinda Cash
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Jo was such a precious gift to those that knew her and will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of calling her friend. She loved people and genuinely enjoyed visiting - she could talk to anyone with comfort and ease. She was a treasure! My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
D. L. and Peggy Adams
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Jo was always the same and a dear friend and fellow teacher. Prayers for all the family
James & Barbara Smith
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
We are so very sorry to hear about Ms. Wasson. What a life well lived! She will be deeply missed. May God give you all comfort. Our prayers are with you.
Diane Butlet. Bohannon
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
So sorry to hear of Jo’s passing. I not only was a student of hers but a neighbor also. We visited many times in the years past and I have thought of her many times. Jo will be missed. Condolences to the family.
Kim Sanders
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Miss Jo was one of my favorite people. I always enjoyed visiting with her. She and my dad, Verl Sanders, went to school together at Cooper School. Our condolences to her family.
Bill and Zebbie McBride
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of this sweet lady. She was a precious friend that I enjoyed visiting with. I will certainly miss her. Prayers for her family.
Treeca Dyer Cotton
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Jo was a sweet, kind person. She was my dad's first cousin. He talked about how, as a child, she was always generous with the children she played with in sharing her toys (which she had more of than most due to being the only child of a prosperous father).
Morgan, Brock, and Joann Smith
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
We are sad to hear of your passing, Jo. Prayers for the family and friends. You will be greatly missed.
Dale and Karen Greenhaw
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
So very sorry to hear about the loss of Ms Jo. Yes, she was a very special friend to us. We met her in 1989 at a WoodmenLife Convention and remained friends since then. She was always the same. She seemed like an Aunt to us but there was no physical relation. Her quick wit and laugh will remain in our memories of her. See you soon, Ms Jo. Heaven is just a step away.
Sid and Lea Ann Tudor Lowrance
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Jo was one GREAT lovely Lady, I love her smile, and she away's have it. Her and Bill and Janie McEnire for the passed many years would be in Harps after walking. She was ONE GREAT LADY! GOD BLESS
Joe and Melba Ward
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
We were so sorry to hear of Jo Wasson's passing. We both thought a lot of her. She was such a sweet and caring person, and every time we saw her, she had a smile on her face. She will be missed. Prayers for all family and friends.
Mike Pack
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Jo was my third grade teacher and I always remembered her as one of my favorite teachers. Enjoyed visiting with her at the Bear Creek Cemetery decorations. Condolences to all of the family.
Vickie Horton Watts
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
During my Mom's stay at Highland Court, Jo became a very dear friend. Jo loved to talk about her youth at Bear Creek and Snowball, mentioning her school days and walks over the mountain back to her parents at Bear Creek (she walked all by herself and was never fearful of the journey). She loved to reminisce about family and friends over her long and precious life. She is a welcome addition in heaven and I look forward to our reunion. Prayers to all that loved her.
Tonya Bazany
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Words can’t express the ray of light Miss Jo was for those of us who cared for her at Highland Court. I’m honored to have known her…as he was to her students she was to me…a kind and compassionate teacher who cared about everyone.
Miss Jo…you’ve gone from this earth but will always live on in my memories 🕊♥ï¸ðŸ•Š
Eddie, and Kathy Morrison
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. We send you all our deepest sympathy, and prayers. She was such a nice lady.
Chris Holder
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Ms Wasson was always so very sweet and kind. Searcy County lost a wonderful lady.
Debbie mcdaniel
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
So sorry. Jo was such a sweet and caring person. She will be greatly missed
Brenda Scott Collie
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
So sorry to hear this. Such a kind and caring teacher. Marshall has lost a Dear Lady
Kay and John Branscum and Pauline Blough
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
Was so sad to hear about Jo. She was always such a pleasure to visit with and one of Mom's best friends!! We hadn't got to go to the Nursing home lately to visit and we will certainly miss those special times. She was a special lady and will be missed. She always told us she knew she was saved and was ready to die when it was her time. We will see you again some day Jo Wasson!! We have been blessed by your sweet friendship. Prayers for the family.
Carol Sue Bryant
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
Sorry to lose that wonderful lady. My heart hurts
Don Clifton
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
Nothing pretentious about our Jo......what you saw was what you got, just plain good people. God knows there's too little of her kind in today's world. I miss you Jo. Don
Tracy Cooley
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
I was so sorry to hear of Aunt Jo’s passing. She was such a sweet lady! Praying for the family!
Jack & Edna Treat
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
So sorry to hear this. She was such a sweet lady. I loved her smile. Prayers.
Donna McGee
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
What a kind, gentle soul she was! Her many students throughout the years held her high esteem. Marshall has lost a wonderful lady..
Sara Kimbrell Myatt
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
I was so saddened to hear of the passing of Mrs Wasson. I was privileged to have her for my third grade teacher. She was one of my favorites. Ran into her at Harps a few years ago & had such a nice visit. Prayers for her family and loved ones.
Donna McGee
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
What a kind, gentle soul she was! Her many students throughout the years held her high esteem. Marshall has lost a wonderful lady..
Sara Kimbrell Myatt
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
I was so saddened to hear of the passing of Mrs Wasson. I was privileged to have her for my third grade teacher. She was one of my favorites. Ran into her at Harps a few years ago & had such a nice visit. Prayers for her family and loved ones.