JO HERNDON's Obituary
PERRY-
Joan “Jo” Elizabeth Herndon, 91, also known as Ms. Jo or Ms. O, began her time travel on Sunday morning, October 3, 2021. At her request, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions to The Perry Public Library, 1201 Washington Street, Perry, Georgia 31069, or to Friends of Perry Animal Shelter (FOPAS), 204 Kellwood Drive, Perry, GA 31069.
Joan was born on February 12, 1930, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to the late Harry Alden Herndon and the late Gladys Emily Ziebell Herndon. In 1942, her family moved to Perry, Georgia. She was a graduate of Perry High School in the Class of 1948 and attended Georgia State College for Women in Milledgeville. After finding herself a single mom, she entered the workforce outside the home. She enjoyed her working career as a loyal employee at Thompson Warehouse, Building Supply; Smith Animal Hospital; and The Shed, Antiques. Jo was involved in the community and was the first female President of the Perry Panthers Booster Club in 1970. She supported the Westfield Booster Club from 1971 to 1976, started the Perry Wilderness Society in the 1980’s, and was a charter member of the Perry Tawasi Club, a ladies service organization. Jo was an active member of the Perry Historical Society.
In her spare time, she enjoyed camping and hiking all of her life and only needed to hear, “Let’s go, Jo!” In fact, her last camping trip where she stayed in a tent was to Cumberland Island with a special group of friends in 2009. It goes without saying that Jo was the best anyone could have dreamed of or been fortunate enough to call Mama. There were only three lucky enough to have that honor. Preceding Jo in death were her parents; an infant daughter, Joy Elizabeth Ogletree; her brother, Retired Lt. Colonel Phillip H. Herndon, US Army; her granddaughter, Cam Collier; and her son, Bud Ogletree.
Left to cherish the memories they made with Jo are her loving and devoted daughters, Julie Ogletree Kelly of Cordele, and Lisa Ogletree Murray of Perry; her great-grandson, Tyler Adams of Cordele; several lovely sisters-in-law, nephews, and nieces including a very special niece, Tammy Whitworth Ater, whom she loved all along. Special thanks to the Administration and Employees of The Oaks Nursing Home in Marshallville where Jo received loving, gentle, and professional care.
Please remember Jo like this…
“Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow;
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am sunlight on ripened grain;
I am the gentle autumn’s rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there. I did not die.”
Condolences for the family may be left in the online guestbook at www.watsonhunt.com. Watson-Hunt Funeral has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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