Jo Carole McDaniel Willson

Jo Carole McDaniel Willson, a long-time resident of Raleigh, North Carolina, died Saturday, September 19, 2015. Born in New Bern, North Carolina, Jo Carole was the daughter of the late Joseph Gaskill McDaniel and Hazel Bell McDaniel. She received her B.A. from Women's College, now UNC-Greensboro. At age 50, Jo Carole returned to academic life, earning her MSW from UNC-Chapel Hill. After receiving her MSW, she worked as a Rehabilitative Counselor for 20 years. Prior to that, she taught high school English. As a young woman she enjoyed her time as counselor at Camp Sea Gull and was among the first group of counselors when Camp Seafarer opened. She was also a founding supporter of TROSA, a comprehensive two-year substance abuse recovery program in Durham, North Carolina.

Jo Carole is survived by her husband of 53 years, Joseph Carter Willson of Raleigh, North Carolina; her two children Carter Haynes Willson of Raleigh, North Carolina and Amy Willson Coats of Dallas, Texas, and her brother, Nelson Bell McDaniel of New Bern, North Carolina. She is also survived by her four grandchildren, Sam and Charlie Willson of Raleigh, North Carolina and Hayden and Caroline Coats of Dallas, Texas.

Jo Carole was an avid gardener, accomplished cook and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She loved to sing, dance and spend time with her beloved pets.

A celebration of her life will be held on, Sunday, November 8th from 1:00-3:00 at her home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to TROSA at trosainc.org.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Saint Mary's St. Raleigh.