Mrs. Jo Ann Henton, a devoted mother and grandmother, cherished educator, respected public servant, trusted mentor, and dedicated community leader, entered eternal rest on June 7, 2026, at the age of 83. She was of the Baptist faith.

Born on September 29, 1942, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Jo Ann attended Little Rock Public Schools, graduating from Horace Mann Senior High School and Philander Smith College, now known as Philander Smith University.

She began her teaching career in the Little Rock Public School District and continued to expand her career by teaching in Hope, Arkansas, and Caruthersville, Missouri, before returning to Blytheville in 1967. There, she devoted the majority of her career to educating and inspiring young minds. She served students at Promise Land Elementary School, Franklin Primary School, and Robinson Primary School, where her passion for teaching and nurturing children left a lasting impact on generations of students. Following more than thirty years of faithful service in education, she retired from the Blytheville School District in 1994.

Even in retirement, Mrs. Henton remained deeply committed to her community, serving as Justice of the Peace from 2016 to 2019. She was also a proud member of the Retired Teachers Association of Mississippi County and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Shelby County (TN) Alumnae Chapter, where she held Diamond Life Member status.

Beyond her professional and civic achievements, Mrs. Henton was an avid craftswoman with a remarkable gift for creating beauty. She found great joy in enhancing her surroundings through her creativity and artistic talents. Whether through decorative projects, handcrafted treasures, or thoughtful touches throughout her home and community, she transformed ordinary spaces into places of warmth and beauty.

Her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Mrs. Henton was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Henton; her mother, Mrs. Clementine Pugh Day; her father, Joel Day; her brother, Ewin Day; and her step-daughter Linda Henton .

She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Kevin Henton; her stepdaughters, Jacqueline Henton, who cared for her with unwavering love, Jacquelyne Lewis, Sherry Henton, and Joy (Keith) Burks; her brother, Raymond Day; her devoted cousin and lifelong friend, Janet Perkins; eight grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; her Delta Sigma Theta Sorority sisters; former students; colleagues; extended family members; and a host of cherished friends and loved ones.

Mrs. Jo Ann Henton's life was a testament to faith, service, and love. Though she will be deeply missed, her influence and example will continue to inspire future generations.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23