On Christmas Day of 1947 she married William M. "Billy" Carson of Monticello in Lake Village. They were married for 67 years until his death February 12, 2015. They raised five children: William Michael, Susan Jo, Patricia Ann, John Phillip, and Lisa Marie. She should have been awarded a doctorate in child care for her efforts. She was home room mother at WC Whaley elementary for all her children. She was Den Mother for Cub Scouts, and helped with the Girl Scouts, and was very active with the Monticello swimming team.
She worked as a telephone operator at Southwestern Bell in both Lake Village and Monticello. After the children were out of school, she worked as a clerk and a buyer for Carson's Clothing Store. She greatly enjoyed going to markets to shop for new lines of clothing. She was a life member of the Monticello Junior Auxiliary, serving as secretary and corresponding secretary. She played in two bridge clubs with her wonderful lady friends for nearly 40 years.
Jo and Billy went to Munich, Germany, in 1981 to visit their son and daughter in law and spent nearly a month traveling in Europe, visiting relatives in Italy and friends in Paris. This trip of a lifetime sparked a keen interest in travel. They were fortunate to be able to travel after Billy's retirement, taking cruises and road trips with Ervin and Marie Jones. They returned to Italy twice, once having an audience with Pope John Paul II at the Vatican.
Once a month as the children grew up, the family would get up early and go to Nona's farm in Lake Village. These trips are fondly remembered by the entire family. Mother would always go to church. There were only three Catholics in Monticello when she married, and no church. Later, she began to drive every Sunday to St. Luke's, a small new church in Warren. She taught catechism and her home was used by Benedictine nuns for religious education classes Saturday mornings 1960-1971. She worked tirelessly to establish and build St. Mark's Catholic Church in Monticello. One of her happiest moments was burning the loan papers in the "paying off the church mortgage" ceremony.
She loved her home and watching the critters in her big backyard. She loved cooking feasts for her big family. Christmas was her favorite time of year. She devoted her life to her husband and family, her church, and her community. She lived her life with a great faith, optimism, and joy.
She was the widow of Billy Carson and also preceded in death by her parents, four sisters and two brothers. She is survived by a sister Marie Jones and a brother Phillip Reginelli, and by her five children and their respective spouses: Susan Baum, Johnny Adkins, Keith Williams, Sheri Carson, and Robbie Gibson, and by six grandchildren: Michael Adkins and wife Meredith, Kate Adkins, Joseph Engelkes, John David Carson and wife Courtney, Jason Carson, Anna Gibson, and by one great-grandchild, Chase William Carson.
A rosary service celebrating her life will be held at St Mark's Catholic Church, in Monticello on September 30 at 7:00 p.m. A memorial mass will be held at St. Marks Catholic Church in Monticello the following day, October 1st at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the St Mark's Catholic Church Building Fund, 1016 N. Hyatt Monticello, AR the Glenmary Missionsers, 4419 Glenmary Trace, Fairfield, OH 45014 or the Arkansas Hospice Foundation 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, AR 72166 Arrangements by Stephenson-Dearman. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com
Condolences(24)
Tony Rodgers
Monticello, AR Wednesday, September 30, 2015 Pat, I was sorry to hear of your mother passing. If I can do anything please let me know.Elizabeth Chadbourn McKee
Fayetteville, AR Thursday, September 17, 2015 Dear Susan, Johnny, Pat and family, I am so honored to have gotten to know Jo and Billy before they passed on. She was an amazing, loving woman. Her influence showed in her love of family and I am so happy to have my daughter, Meredith, brought into your family as her grandson's wife. She treasures those last days when they got to visit Jo. What a small world that my father and little brother lived on the opposite end of the same street years ago, and now our families are joined.Lee Ann Groce Tadel
, TX Friday, September 4, 2015 So sorry for your loss. She was a very special lady.Mary K Moore Woodruff
Bauxite, AR Friday, September 4, 2015 Loving thoughts and prayers to all of the family during this time of great loss .Jana martin landes
Laguna, CA Friday, September 4, 2015 So sorry for your loss. I loved your mom so much. She was a huge part of my life. Love janaMary Lasiter
Barkada, AR Tuesday, September 1, 2015 Pat and family, I was so sorry to read about the loss of your Mom. Please accept my sincere condolences. You will be in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.Mary Lasiter
Drew Massage
Evelyn Wilson Cash
Rison, AR Tuesday, September 1, 2015 Carson Family, I have many fond memories of attending church at St. Luke's with all of you. My prayer today is that precious memories of your mom will comfort you during this sad time. God bless each of you.Phil Reginelli
Jonesboro, AR Tuesday, September 1, 2015 So many lives have been touched by Jo and Bill. They were truly a great couple and have a fantastic family. It is with great sadness that I will miss them but I will never forget them. Your family will always be a testament to the great love you had for God, Bill and all around you. I will retain so many great memories of our lives. Rest in peace, my sweet, loving and caring sister.Love, Phil
Diana Rhodes Abney
Sherwoood, AR Monday, August 31, 2015 I am so sorry for your loss. Losing both your parents in such a short time frame is very difficult. I had the same unfortunate loss. Keeping you all in my prayers. May God comfort you during this difficult time.Kim Kendrick
Star City, AR Monday, August 31, 2015 I have many fond memorial of Mrs. Jo at get togethers at Keith and Pats. She and Mr. Billy were two of the sweetest people I have ever meet. My prayers are will you all at time this.Laura Lee d Dearman
Monticello, AR Monday, August 31, 2015 To each of Jo's family I want to offer my sincere condolences. What absolutely amazing sons and daughters she and Billy were blessed with and the love each of you showed her was so well deserved. The entire Carson family was very unique - more or less providing groceries and clothes for our "kids" for years. Can still hear your dad or Buddy or Jack or Charles answering with "Carsons' Store!" when we would call to order groceries to be delivered. I also enjoyed the occasions of playing bridge with your mom. Thinking of each of you as Jo's life is celebrated.Jimmy Akin
Tallahassee, FL Sunday, August 30, 2015 Mike, Susan,Pat,John and Lisa, your mom has always had a very special place in my heart. She always had a kind word and a smile. I will always cherish the wonderful times I spend with your family. God blessings be with you during this sad time in your lives.Carole Rushing
Woodlawn, AR Sunday, August 30, 2015 Pat, Susan and families, We were so saddened to read of your Mom's passing. May the Lord give you the peace, comfort and strength to sustain you through your great loss is our prayer. Please accept our sincere condolences.Carole & Owen Rushing
Paige Stell
Monticello, AR Sunday, August 30, 2015 Mrs. Jo will be missed by so many. So thankful I was able to know & love her. You are all in my thoughts & prayers during the difficult days ahead.Love,
Paige
Susan Dalton
Jacksonville, AR Sunday, August 30, 2015 Dear Lisa & family,I was so sad to hear the news of Ms.Josephine's passing. Prayers to you all.
Sincerely,
Susan Dalton
Corinne Eldridge
Forrest City, AR Sunday, August 30, 2015 Loads of wonderful memories of Jo. From movies being made of school parties, to building floats in the carport, to being there for all of Mike's friends! Every time I make the 'famous' pound cake I will always think of her. I know you will miss your mom, but knowing she is no longer suffering and is once again with your dad gives all of you peace and comfort. Please know that your family will be in my prayers and know that God will give you the strength you need to get through the days, weeks, and months ahead.Ricky & Diane Davis
Gulf Shores, AR Saturday, August 29, 2015 Sending up prayers for the family for comfort and love, so sorry for your loss of this great lady!Pat Rogers McKinney
McKinney, TX Saturday, August 29, 2015 Prayers for all the Carson's , your mom was a wonderful person. She was so kind and caring. She was a great friend to my Mother and helped our whole family out when she died back in the 70's. We were all members of St Luke's Catholic Church in Warren. I am so sorry for your losses, your Dad and now your Mom. May God bring peace and comfort to you all.John & Virginia Ward
Monticello, AR Saturday, August 29, 2015 Most wonderful, loving, caring, and great mom I've ever met. The first mom I met in Monticello and one of the reasons I fell in love with it. Through her, I saw a true unity of family and friends. Her smile was contagious. Lisa, my heart and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time. I thank you for sharing your mom with me so many years ago. She will be missed by many.Kim and Robert
Monticello, AR Saturday, August 29, 2015 Dear Lisa and family, we are so sorry to hear about the loss of Ms Jo.We are praying for you and your family. Thinking of you as well during these heartbreaking times. With Love~K & R
Robin Johnson
Monticello, AR Friday, August 28, 2015 What a grand lady Ms. Jo was and will always be. Our love and prayers for the entire family.Robin & Kenny Johnson
LaNell McKiever
Monticello, AR Friday, August 28, 2015 "JUST THINK OF STEPPING ON SHORE, AND FINDING IT HEAVEN.OF TOUCHING A HAND AND FINDING IT GOD'S
OF BREATHING NEW AIR AND FINDING IT CELESTIAL.
AND WAKING UP IN GLORY AND FINDING IT HOME"
You know she is with her "Billy" once more. I know you will miss her but she is all right. The McKievers are thinking of all of you.
Lelia Davis
Monticello, AR Friday, August 28, 2015 I am so very sorry for the loss of my dear friend Ms Jo. I have known her for several years and have grown to love her as my own. She has touched my heart and life in so many ways, and I am thankful for having her as a friend for this long. She was an inspiration to me and to everyone that knew her and will be missed by so so many. What a wonderful person God gained to his kingdom and I know Mr Billy welcomed her with open arms. Love you sweet lady.Pat Savage Montgomery
Monticello, AR Friday, August 28, 2015 My thoughts and prayers are with you all.