Jo Nell Jerome of Shreveport, Louisiana passed away on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at the age of 87. She was born December 28, 1934 in Pickton, Texas to Vinnie Ruth Wood Smith and Jodie Smith.
After graduating from Fair Park High School in 1953, Jo Nell worked for several Shreveport business, including being a model for Larry Robinson Photography. In 1954, she married the love of her life, Jack Jerome and their pace of life quickly accelerated. The birth of their first-born, Kenny in 1955 and Keith in 1956 followed by a move to Dallas, Texas in 1957, for Jack to pursue his engineering career. While in Dallas, Jo Nell involved herself in her growing family, serving as den mother and school volunteer. She also learned the game of Bridge, which became a lifelong passion.
In 1975, another move to Lafayette, Louisiana and another son, Kevin was born. Jo Nell embraced the Cajun country, although reluctant at first. She continued her Bridge and church activities as she added Cajun cuisine to her already wonderful cooking.
Jo Nell made it back to Shreveport, Louisiana in 1978 with another work transfer. She then, was reconnected with her old friends and making new friends in the process. She was a long time member of Broadmoor Baptist Church. She enjoyed entertaining and decorating for her family and friend at her Spring Lake home. Jo Nell was devoted to her husband and family. She will be truly missed.
Left to cherish her memory are her three sons, Kenny Jerome of Shreveport, Louisiana, Keith Jerome and wife Cheryl of Keller, Texas, and Kevin Jerome and wife Sarah of Keller, Texas; grandchildren, Clayton Jerome and wife Taylor, Leslie Spiegel and husband Blake, Taylor Castleman and husband John, Caroline Jerome, Hannah Jerome, Jacob Jerome, Rebecca Jerome, and Matthew Jerome; great grandchildren Luke, Livi, Jack, and Claire; and her beloved nephew, Tracy Smith.
Jo Nell was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Jack L. Jerome; her parents; and brother, Welcome Wayne Smith.
A visitation for Jo Nell will be held Friday, April 1, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, Louisiana 71108. A celebration of life will occur Saturday, April 2, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest in Centuries Memorial Park, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, LA 71108.
Serving as pallbearers are Kenny Jerome, Keith Jerome, Kevin Jerome, Jacob Jerome, Matthew Jerome, Tracy Smith, and Blake Spiegel with Clayton Jerome, being an honorary pallbearer.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Jo Nell’s caretakers, Angela and Jenny.
