Jettalee "Jo" Rowe

Jettalee Rowe, affectionately known as “Jo” passed away Saturday, July 5, 2025.

Jo was born Sept. 22, 1938, to H.L. and Opal Townsley Richardson. She was a high school graduate of Willie K. Hocker High School in Wabbaseka, AR and member of First Christian Church in Stuttgart, AR. Jo dedicated 22 years of her life to the RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) in Stuttgart, having served as director for 18 of those years. Among her many distinctions, the Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce named her Citizen of the Year in 1992. In 2002, President George W. Bush presented her with the President's Call to Service Award. Arkansas senator Bobby Glover presented Jo with the Senate Citation in 2003.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Rowe; and siblings, Melba Brown, Lois Smith, Mary Phedger and Don Richardson.

Survivors are her daughter, Cheryl Dearing of Bryant; grandson, Blake Dearing of Little Rock; and sisters, Paula Hosto of Ulm and Jean Strickland of Heber Springs.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, July 11, at First Christian Church in Stuttgart.