Hazel Neva Jo Gaston, 92, of Hot Springs, AR. Formerly of Camden, AR., passed away peacefully on May 11, 2022. She was born September 4, 1929 in Red Jacket, West Virginia and grew up in Pikeville, KY. Jo is predeceased by her parents R.C. and Ida Florence (Hunt) Griffith, her five siblings, and her late husband of 66 years, Franklin A. “Sonny” Gaston Jr.
Jo met Sonny while working and going to college in Illinois. He was in the service and stationed there at the time. In July, 1954, they were married and moved to Camden, where they lived for many years while raising their daughter Debbie.
A loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Jo was also a remarkable cook and enjoyed preparing meals and special treats for her family and friends. For many years leading up to her passing she collected a library of recipes that she had made over her lifetime. She was also a dedicated sports fan, especially when it came to the Arkansas Razorbacks. She could call plays as well as any referee could, and made sure she never missed a game.
Jo and Sonny were active members of First United Methodist Church in Camden.
For over 25 years, Jo worked as the assistant to the comptroller at Ouachita County Medical Center. Despite her busy schedule, family and friends were her passion and delight. After moving to Hot Springs in 1999, they joined First United Methodist Church of Hot Springs where they continued their dedication to the church.
She is survived by her daughter Debbie (Walker) Loyd, five grandchildren Heather (Jarod) Williams, Caroline (Nick) Lingquist, Emily Loyd, Helen (Andrew) Dodson, and Anna Catherine Nipper; Seven great grandchildren Cece and Zan Williams, Andrew Walker Dodson, and Jackson Murray, Elliott Jr. Vivian Walker, and Elizabeth Nipper.
The family gives their warmest and deepest gratitude to the West Shores Community of Senior Living and to Hospice Home Care for the love and care provided to Jo during her final years.
There will be a visitation at Gross Funeral Home Friday May 13, 2022 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. A graveside service celebrating her life will be held on Saturday May 14, 2022 at 10:00 am. at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Hot Springs.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grossfuneralhome.com for the Gaston family.
