Obituary
Jo Anna Wilcox, 65, of Jacksonville passed away July 3, 2023. She was born March 21, 1958 in McAlester, Oklahoma to the late William “Jim” James and Mary Jane (Cacy) McWaters.
Jo married the love of her life, Jeff Wilcox, on July 9, 1983 in her hometown, McAlester. After graduating from the University of Arkansas in 1980, Jo began her career in education. She spent thirty-five years pouring love into her students as a teacher, band director, music coordinator and principal. Jo left a lifelong impression on her students and fellow educators.
Jo was a beloved mother who enjoyed week long trips to the beach with her family. Even though she was strong-willed, she loved spending time with her children and pushing them to new heights. Multiple trips to Mexican restaurants and hours in the flower bed became the new pastimes for her and her husband. She was a member of Second Baptist Church in Jacksonville and loved her family dearly.
Those left to cherish the memories of Jo include her husband of forty years, Jeff Wilcox; daughter, Lauren Guy and her husband, Joshua Guy, their children, Maddox, Brooks, and Annistyn Guy; son, Shelby Wilcox and his wife, Nikole, their children, Xander Wilcox and one due in February 2024; siblings, Jerri, Roy, and Lee McWaters; and several extended family members.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 7, 2023 at Second Baptist Church in Jacksonville. Visitation will be the evening prior, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Thursday, July 6, 2023 at Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home. Jo will be laid to rest immediately following the service at Chapel Hill Memorial Park.
The family suggests memorial donations be made to Arkansas Women Band Directors Association to help High School Seniors majoring in music in college (AWBDA C/O Judy Harkrider 352 Lower Rodge Road, Conway, AR, 72032).