Jo W. Henry

Jo Watson Henry of Knoxville, TN died on Thursday, October 5, 2023. She was born in Ashland, KY on July 11, 1925, to the late George Riley Watson and Eula Mabel (Nolan) Watson. Jo graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1947 with a bachelor’s degree in business and education. She was a member of the Phi Mu Sorority during her time at UT. After graduation, Jo moved to Kingsport, TN to work at Tennessee Eastman Company. She met her husband, James William Henry, there and married in 1950. After having two children, she founded and ran Jo Henry Publications until her husband passed away in 1995.

When she lived in Kingsport, Jo was active in organizations such as the Kingsport Symphony Orchestra as membership chairman and the Kingsport Historical Society as treasurer. She moved to Knoxville, TN in 2015 to live closer to her children and grandchildren.

Jo is preceded in death by her husband, parents; brother, Dr. G. N. Watson, and sister, Mary Watson Fishel. She is survived by her son, Robert K. Henry of Knoxville; daughter, Terrill H. Briggs (Stan) of Knoxville; grandsons, Edward Briggs and Alex Briggs of Knoxville; granddaughter, Becky Briggs Becker (Christopher) of Kansas City, Mo.; and six nieces and nephews.

Jo’s family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to UT Hospice for taking such great care of her in her last months, with special thanks to Patrick Moore, RN and Jodena Cody, CNA. Heartfelt thanks to caregivers, Milly Dunning and Cheryl Ellis, for being so wonderful with Jo.

Jo’s ashes will be buried next to her husband in a private graveside service for family and friends to be held at a later date.

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