Mrs. Josephine “Jo” Crowson Ashcraft, 83, of Pine Bluff, went to her heavenly home on Sunday, March 17, 2013.
She was born in Leola on November 26, 1929, to James Franklin “Frank” and Velma Blake Deer Crowson. She grew up in Tull and graduated from Bauxite High School.
Jo, Josephine, Mother, Grandma Jo, Aunt Jo, GG, Great-grandmother were all names that her friends and family used often because Jo was someone everyone loved to be around. She had a way of making others feel special.
Mrs. Ashcraft was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church, where she volunteered many hours and taught the Pearl Burnham Sunday School Class. She was a life member of the United Methodist Women, was past member of the Administrative Board and the staff parish relations committee at First Methodist. Mrs. Ashcraft also taught in the children’s and youth department and sang in the Chancel Choir.
She worked in bookkeeping at Sears, before opening Jo’s Pet Shop. She owned and operated Jo’s for 15 years, before retiring in 1982.
Mrs. Ashcraft was past president of the Southeast Arkansas Kennel Club. For many years, Jo served as the secretary/treasurer for the Auxiliary of the United Transportation Union #481.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Truman Ashcraft, her parents and three sisters, Ida Blake Crowson, Barbara Crowson and Marthel Willis.
Survivors include her son, Joe Ashcraft and his wife, Libby, of Ft. Worth, Texas; two daughters, Linda McDaniel and her husband, Rodney, of Texarkana, Ark. and Regina Blackstock and her husband, Jerry, of Pine Bluff; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at First United Methodist Church with Reverends David Fleming and Fred Arnold officiating. Burial will follow at Ebenezer Cemetery in Tull by Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday evening at Robinson’s.
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 200 West 6th Avenue, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71601.
Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com