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Josephine "Jo" (Connell) Merck passed away August 7, 2020 with her husband, Ed, by her side.  She was a resident of Greystone Nursing and Rehab in Cabot where she has resided for the last year.  An avid golfer most of her life, it was more than fitting that she was near the golf course when she passed away.

Josephine was born November 7, 1927 in Morrilton, AR to Audrey and Claud Connell of Smackover, AR.  She finished school in Smackover at a very young age.  Josephine graduated from Harding College and earned the nickname "Baby Jo" because of her young age, then later earned a Master's Degree.  She became a beloved teacher and taught in many places – Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, New York and California.  She took on a teaching job with the Department of Defense and was assigned to teach in France and Turkey.  She met the love of her life, Ed, in France and soon became a military wife.

She and Ed were married in Alabama in 1962.  They lived a wonderful life of adventures all over the world – Japan, California, Colorado, Virginia - and settled down in Jacksonville, Arkansas since 1975.  At all of their locations, Jo was actively engaged in women's club activities of bridge, bowling, golf and editing their newsletters and magazines.

Jo was an only child, so when she and Ed married, she inherited his large family and was thrilled to be a part.  Her daughter, Connie Jo, married into another large family and Jo loved the get-togethers and when her family came over to visit, they loved to hear Jo tell stories of her adventures overseas with Ed.  Jo loved being with people and she loved to talk and tell stories.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her only daughter, Connie Jo Parker.  Surviving are her beloved husband, Ed, her beloved son-in-law Vernon Olen Parker grandchildren Eddie Fletcher, Scott (Mindy) Parker, Stephanie (John) Moody, Mary Jo Fletcher and Hunter Fletcher as well as many, many others and a host of nieces and nephews.

The family asks that memorials be made to Jo's favorite charity, The Southern Christian Children's Home ( https://schome.org/donate/ ) in Morrilton, Arkansas or the charity of your choice.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 12, 2020. A visitation will occur on Tuesday, August 11, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., both at Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home. Jo will be laid to rest after her service at Arkansas State Veteran's Cemetery in North Little Rock. Arrangements by Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home, (501) 982-2136.

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