1927-2024
Jo Ann Murray Clemmons, 98, of Pine Bluff, passed away Friday, November 15, 2024, at Trinity Village Medical Center.
She was born on June 27, 1926, in Pine Bluff to Doris Maddry Murray and Hal J. Murray. Jo Ann grew up in Pine Bluff. She attended Gabe Meyer Elementary School and graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 1944.
After graduation from high school, Jo Ann attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas graduating in 1948 with a Batchlor of Arts degree in English and minored in Spanish.
Jo Ann married Palmer S. Clemmons on October 24, 1948, shortly after returning home from college to Pine Bluff. They resided in Cornerstone while Palmer was farming for the Elms Planting Company and then moved to Altheimer in 1956.
Jo Ann taught English and Spanish at Altheimer High School for several years in the 1960’s. She enjoyed playing bridge and spending time with family and friends. Jo Ann was a member of the Pine Bluff Junior League, The Mathontes Club, Beth Jenkins Garden Club and P.E.O.
In 1974 Jo Ann and Palmer moved to the family farm in Tamo, Arkansas where they lived for many years before retiring to Trinity Village in Pine Bluff, Arkansas in their later years.
Jo Ann was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church of Pine Bluff and was on their cradle roll when she was born. She enjoyed attending The First Presbyterian Women’s Group in her later years.
Jo Ann was a kind, caring and loving mother, daughter, wife and friend and beloved by many, especially her family. She loved hosting family and friends and was always concerned about the needs of others.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Palmer S. Clemmons; her parents, Doris and Hal Murray; and her sisters, Diana Chenault and Betty Crocker.
Survivors include her children, Lee C. McCollough (Tom) of Billings, MT, and Palmer S. “Buddy” Clemmons, Jr. (Svetlana) of Hot Springs, AR; grandchildren, William J. McCollough (Phoenix), Anna M. Gonzalez (Rolando), and Thomas A. McCollough (Michelle), Anton J. Clemmons and Polina D. Clemmons; and two great-granddaughters, Eva Lee Gonzalez and Lucia Gonzalez.
Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m., Thursday, November 21, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Pine Bluff with The Reverend Dr. Ron Stone officiating. Interment will follow in Bellwood Cemetery by Ralph Robinson and Son Funeral Directors.
Contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 717 West 32nd Avenue, Pine Bluff, AR 71603; Trinity Village, 6400 Trinity Drive, Pine Bluff, AR 71603; and Neighbor to Neighbor, 1419 S. Pine St., Pine Bluff, AR 71601.
