Jo Belle Troxell

Jo Belle Troxell (Jo, to those closest to her), 21 days shy of her 96th birthday, went to be with our Lord on February 20, 2023. She was born on March 13, 1927 in Combs, AR to Hollis R and Vivian Bell Barron. Her father owned a little country store in Combs and the family sawmill was there, too. When the train quit running through Combs Jo’s father sold the store and the family moved the sawmill to Rogers, AR so the lumber could once again be railed out.

Jo Belle attended and graduated Rogers High School during WWII. She played flute in the band and was her graduating class Homecoming Queen. She continued her education at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville where she was a Kappa Kappa Gamma and after the war ended she met and married Bill F Troxell who had served in WWII and came home to play football for the Arkansas Razorbacks and finish his degree. Their first years as husband and wife were lived on Dixon St in an apartment above a movie theater. Over the years they lived in Ft Smith and in Little Rock where Bill’s job let them settle permanently. Jo spent 32 years in the Little Rock School District where she was highly sought after for her dedication, thoroughness, and attention to detail. She was highly respected for her work ethic and loyalty.

Family was everything to Jo Belle. She was a wonderful mother that cherished her three daughters and made sure they were in church every time the doors were open. Their lives were centered around Geyer Springs First Baptist Church where they started attending in 1957 and eventually joined. She made sure that her girls came to know the Lord as their Savior, tithed, and served.

Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were a treasure for her. She loved and prayed faithfully for them since the day they were born.

Holidays were special to all of the family and the memories of Jo’s holiday meals is far reaching even to her extended family. After Grandmother Gram could no longer make the big dinners, Jo Belle took the torch and the Barron family Thanksgivings were moved to Little Rock where Jo put out a spread. The ringing of laughter is still heard in the memories of those precious family times and Jo’s delicious food - especially her famous Chocolate Pie!

Jo Belle loved to read. She always had a book in her hand. Some of her favorites were Karen Kingsbury, Agatha Christie, Alexandria Ripley, Billy Graham, and of course, the Bible. After her retirement she planted petunias, salvia, impatiens and hung huge ferns on her front porch every Spring. In the fall she would plant a minimum of 200 pansies. She loved flowers and her Rose of Sharon tree in the backyard. They brought her so much joy!

Jo Belle was preceded in death by her husband, Bill F Troxell; parents, Hollis R and Vivian Barron; little sister, Donna Barron King; little brother, Clayton R Barron; and nephew, John Barron.

Those left to cherish her memory are daughters: Lynn (Mickey) Hargett, Tricia (John) Carr, and Cindy (Ricky) Scruggs; grandchildren: Matthew (Jenny) Hargett, Kristin (Anton) Duke, and Katie Carr; great grandchildren: Caroline and Joshua Duke; and her big brother, Jack L Barron. She is dearly missed.

There will be a family gathering to celebrate and remember the life of Jo Belle Troxell on March 4, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Geyer Springs First Baptist Church Mission Fund or to Arkansas Baptist Children and Family Ministries.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pinecrestfh.com for the Troxell family.