Jo Ellen Guillory

March 25, 1951 - February 13, 2024

Jo Guillory, a silent observer with a library large enough to rival Alexandria's and a wardrobe of Darn Good Yarn skirts that screamed color and life, embarked on her final journey from the quiet comfort of Medford, Oregon, on February 11, 2024. Born in Berkeley, California, today in 1951, Jo navigated life with the quietude and strength characteristic of the world's most profound thinkers and the occasional revolutionary dressed in boldly patterned skirts.

Among the volumes of books and the remnants of her sartorial elegance, Jo leaves a legacy punctuated by adventure and discovery, most notably through her travels with her sister, Martha Parmeter. Together, they ventured to far-off lands, collecting stories, experiences, and souvenirs. Their expeditions across five continents, always with an eye towards the next zoo or animal rescue, painted their bond in the vivid hues of shared laughter and mutual respect for the world's vast wonders.

Jo's journey through life's chapters included shared narratives with two ex-husbands, from whom she learned, grew, and ultimately moved on with grace and a collection of tales worthy of a novel. Her closest readers and co-adventurers include her beloved daughter, Emilia Breton; son-in-law, Morgan Lake; and granddaughters, Scarlett Ann Breton-Lake and Morgan Elizabeth Jo Breton-Lake, each a testament to her quiet influence and love.

The tale of Jo's professional life took an unexpected plot twist when a summer job in dog grooming unexpectedly unfolded into a 50-year career. As a Certified Master Groomer, she styled countless canine companions, weaving a silent but profound narrative of care and compassion through each snip and clip.

In her final days, the warmth and care of Dr. Alex Sander, Jo's oncologist and the human companion of Mateo the Westie, underscored the deep connections Jo fostered. Mateo's last snuggles and kisses to Jo were a fitting epilogue to a life lived with gentle strength and compassion.

The family, including her sister Martha; nieces Jennifer Parmeter and Rebecca Ryan; nephew Dan Parameter; and her son in heart, Dorian Reeve, along with his wife Rosanne Ayers Reeve, invites you to honor Jo's memory. They suggest contributions to ARF (https://joybound.org/donate/ ), CATS (https://www.kittensandcats.org/) or your local library, championing the causes closest to Jo's heart. Or perhaps, adopt a pet in need of a storytime companion, a nod to Jo's enduring passions.

Jo Guillory's life was a quietly powerful narrative, rich in the joys of discovery, the comforts of home, and the silent strength that underpins enduring love and legacy. Her story, though no longer unfolding, continues to inspire and influence, a timeless reminder of the beauty in the unspoken and the power of a well-lived life.