Jo Boyd Hines

Jo Boyd Hines, lovingly known as Boo, enjoyed a full and beautiful life, March 3, 1936 - January 14, 2018. She grew up in Vernon, Texas, the only child of Lester and Verna Mae Boyd. Jo was preceded in death by Charles Hines, her husband of 59 years and the love of her life.

Boo is survived by four children, Greg Hines of Greer’s Ferry, Lesley (Billy) Clark, JJ May, and Tracy (Darin) Person, all of Fort Smith. In addition to her children, Boo shared unique and special relationships with her twelve grandchildren, Ty (Meagan) Clark, Will Clark (Mallory Williamson), John Clark (Amy Cruce), Chris May, Lee May, AnnaMarie May, Caroline May, Dalton (Claire) Person, Drew Person (Mallory Walker), Taylor (Nick) Smith, Lindsey Hines, and Hallee (Blake) Piechocki. Honorary grandson, Daniel Kiss, held a special place in Boo’s heart. Great-grandchildren were so important to Boo, and loved to be with her, Robert Jackson, Connor Clark, Hallie Smith, Layla May, Sadie and Nora Piechocki.

Throughout her life, Boo enjoyed gardening, reading and writing poetry. She wrote and published a book of poetry in 2009. Above all else, Boo loved learning. One of her dreams was fulfilled in 1996 when she returned to college, at the age of 60, and graduated from John Brown University with honors. She studied Hebrew, Braille and loved learning about all religions. Education of any kind was a driving force in her life.

Boo used her writing skills and love of journalism as an owner of All-Media Advertising Agency, where she won numerous Addy Awards. She was a past director of Choices Career Directions at Westark Community College. In this position, she loved serving the community and returning displaced homemakers to the workforce as confident, prepared women. She went on to serve as the Director of the Fort Smith Dental Clinic for several years. She also served as Interim Director of Fort Smith Montessori School.

Boo’s community involvement included Leadership Fort Smith, and past board member of St. John’s Community Center, Friends of the Library, Sebastian County Mental Health, Project Compassion, Interfaith Community Center and the Zion Youth Shelter. She was an elder of First Presbyterian Church, and a past president of Women of the Church.

Our precious Boo, will be remembered as a passionate pillar of strength, traditions and family values. She faced her illness with humor and faith in her Lord Jesus Christ. Boo will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at First Presbyterian Church in Fort Smith. A reception will follow in the church parlor. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to the Sebastian County Humane Society, 3800 Kelley Highway, Fort Smith, AR 72904 or a local charity.