Joan (Jo) Davis McConnell of Greenwood, Arkansas died December 13 in her home one day shy of her 89th birthday. She was born Dec. 14, 1929 in Little Rock to Minnie Workman Davis and Samuel Morrison Davis. Jo grew up in Little Rock and graduated from Little Rock High School, now Central High, in January 1948. She attended Little Rock Junior College, Lindenwood College in Missouri and the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. She married Jerry McConnell in 1952 and is survived by him after 66 years together. Jo worked on the student paper in high school and was co-society editor of the Arkansas Traveler, while a student at the University of Arkansas where she met her future husband. She was an administrative assistant and fundraiser for the Arkansas Cancer Society. She later was office manager for Jerry McKinnis, noted fishing guide, writer and television host. While in Little Rock, she was president of the Meadowcliff Garden Club and co-president of the Meadowcliff PTA. After moving to Oklahoma, she continued her work as administrative assistant and bookkeeper for Housley Bros. Furniture Co. in Oklahoma City. Jo and Jerry retired to Greenwood in 1992, where Jo became active in Democratic Women and other Democratic Party activities including the Sebastian County Democratic Central Committee. She was a lifetime supporter of the League of Women Voters.
In addition to her husband Jerry, Jo is survived by a daughter, Kevin McConnell Riley and her husband, Thomas of Fort Smith; her son, Michael McConnell, of Seattle, Washington; and two grandchildren, Jeri and Dylan Riley of Fort Smith.
At her request, no formal memorial service is planned. Cremation by McConnell Funeral Home will be followed by private burial at Liberty Cemetery. A celebration of her life with friends and family will be held at a later date. Memorials to the Greenwood Education Foundation, the Central High School Foundation, or the School of Journalism at the University of Arkansas would honor her life and be appreciated.
