Granny JoJo...saying we will miss you just doesn't capture the depth of the hole you left in our hearts or the breadth of how much you really will be missed. Jo gave everything. She was incredibly generous and was always thinking of others before herself. She was a beautiful woman with a heart for her family. She loved her children with all she had, then she dug down and loved her grandchildren with a crazy love. Yet, she wasn't through, as her great grandchildren came in to permanently steal all the amazing pieces left in her heart. She is reuniting with her husband Bob, daughter Pat, son Eddie, and grandson Mark and most importantly she's in the presence of her Savior Jesus Christ.
When she worked at Frougs department store, the grandkids were the recipients of clothes, and coats galore. When she worked in a gift shop, she bought and held the most coveted Beanie Babies for the grandkids. Her cooking was always the standard by which everyone she served judged grilled cheeses, fried potatoes, and macaroni and tomatoes (with bacon grease!), just to name a few. Her house was always the standard for cleanliness- the bed was always made, and her yard was meticulously maintained with beautiful flowers...and an always well swept porch!
JoJo had a very close relationship with both her daughters, whom she lived near her entire life. After her daughter Pat passed away in 2005, she visited and talked with her daughter Brenda on a daily basis. Brenda teased her that she and Randy kept a "hot path" from their house to Granny's. She probably joked the most with her son-in-law Randy whom she always said was more like a son to her. Their antics teasing each other (mostly Jo being teased by him) were always enjoyable moments of laughter for anyone in earshot.
Her grandchildren remember visiting her on weekends growing up. Spending time visiting on her porch, and climbing trees in their huge yard made for wonderful childhood memories. She continued making these same wonderful memories with her great grandchildren, as she was a constant presence in their lives. She was always in attendance at their extracurricular activities, and even helped raise Brianna after her daughter Pat's death.
JoJo enjoyed being called a "tough old broad" as she fought through breast cancer in her early 70's. She had more heart and energy than most anyone around her. Even in her finals days she was still making everyone laugh. We'll never be confused by something and not hear her saying "what in the cat hair?" or trying to persuade someone by joking "I'm gonna box you"! The world will be just a little less bright without her, but God was ready to bring her precious heart on home to be with Him.
Josephine "Jo" Rhyne will lie in state from 10:00am - 8:00pm on Tuesday, June 5th.
Service will be at 1:00pm, Wednesday, June 6th, both at Moore's Southlawn Chapel
(918) 663-2233