Jo, as she was known to her family and friends, was born on December 11, 1935 in West Salem, Illinois to the union of the late William J. and Esther L. (Hoke) Robb. She grew up and attended school in Illinois.
On October 29, 1953, Jo was united in marriage to Harley Lee Powell. They shared over 33 years of marriage together before Harley preceded her in death on December 15, 1986. They were blessed with three children: Dana, Diana and Flora.
Jo was blessed to be able to stay at home and take care of her family. She loved being a housewife and especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She liked to go out to eat, visit the Senior Center and attend the First Christian Church with her dear friend Bill Rowden. She will be sadly missed by all those that knew and loved her.
Jo leaves to cherish her memory her three children: Dana Lee Powell of Lebanon, MO, Diana Pennington (James) of Flora, IL and Flora Dixon (John Johnson) of Lebanon, MO; one brother: Don Robb of Illinois; friend: Bill Rowden of Waynesville, MO; 6 grandchildren: Nicole Dixon, Jacob, James and Grace Pennington, Jonah Johnson and Austin Blackburn; several other relatives and friends.
In addition to her parents, Jo was preceded in death by four siblings: Carol Sue Todd, William Robert Robb, Francis Milton Robb and infant sister Belle Robb.
Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 14, 2011 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert with Doug Cage officiating. The songs “I Can Only Imagine”, “It Is Well With My Soul” and “Wings of a Dove” were played. Serving as escorts were John Johnson, Austin Blackburn, James Pennington, Russell Williams and Junior Levett.
Burial followed in the Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Jo Powell and may be left at the funeral home.
