Jo Florence Farris was born July 18, 1941, in Jellico, Tennessee.  She was the eldest child of Mr. Mrs. John and Ada Farris.

Jo grew up in the South during difficult times.  Little Jo from Jellico was faced with the harsh reality as a child that life is not fair.  She realized at an early age that the school 2 miles from her parent's home wasn't the school for colored people.   Jo attended grade school, middle school and high school in Lafollette, Tennessee. She had to ride 41 miles to and from school on back roads.  Despite the long trip to school, she was a good student and excelled on the basketball court. Jo was a point guard and loved the game.

After graduating from high school Jo remained in Jellico. Later, she relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio to help her older brother, the late Ulis Roberts and his wife with their children.  She eventually found her way around the city and made it her home. Jo easily made friends and many of them are friends to this day. James Gilchrist was one of her friends that stood out from the rest.  He would help her with the maintenance of her car.  He would jokingly called her, "Cadillac Jo" because he often worked on her Cadillac Coupe DeVille.

Jo Florence was a devoted and faithful member of Cincinnati Bible Way Church for 40 years under the Pastorate of Apostles James & Grace Blue.  Jazzy Jo Flo, as she was affectionately called by many of her church family, served faithfully in many capacities.  She was a Deaconess, Director of Hearts of Love Member Care, a Sunday School Teacher for the Nursery, a Vacation Bible School Teacher, an Usher, drove the church van, cooked, cleaned, wherever she was needed Jo so willingly filled in.  Deaconess Jo loved serving and she encouraged others to serve as well.  Deaconess Jo was well loved, respected, and appreciated by her church family for her love and dedication. Cincinnati Bible Way members will sorely miss Ms. Jazzy Jo Flo.

She was employed many years by Kenner Toys until they closed. She realized she enjoyed teaching children, Jo went back to school and got a certificate in Early Childcare and Development. She loved this new field of study because she was able to share her love for children through education.  After years of service in Day Care Centers around the city, she took her career home and started her own home day care center. Ms. Jo was loving and kind and had innovative ways to motivate her students to learn and be prepared for kindergarten. Many families expressed on numerous occasions how blessed they were to have Ms. Jo as their children's instructor.

Jo, along with her loving kindness will certainly be missed by so many. She was so resourceful. Jo helped those that were in need of a place to stay, those that needed wisdom on a matter, and even motherly advice.  When she knew correction was needed, she would use her signature phrase, "Excuse me", to get their attention, followed by words of correction.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. Mrs. John and Ada Farris, her older brother, Ulis Gerome Roberts, her sister Gwendolyn Farris, her daughter Martha Lee Farris, daughter-in law Anna Darlene Farris, and grandson Malcom Anthony Allen.

Jo Florence leaves to mourn her passing, her brother Manuel Farris, 5 children, John Farris, Sheila (Ronnie) Allen, Lucinda (Steve) Applebury, Lucius (Pam) Farris, and Alex Brown; 15 Grandchildren, 11 Great Grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful, And now the prize awaits me-the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing."  2 Timothy 4:7,8 NLT

Visitation is from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, on  Friday, August 13, 2021, at the Lakewood Baptist Church, 4008 Westwood Northern Blvd, Cincinnati  (45221).   The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 11:00 am.

Interment will follow at Vine Street Hill Cemetery, 3701 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45220.

In keeping with CDC Covid19 Guidelines, we encourage those who are not fully vaccinated to wear a mask.

To share a memory of   Jo or leave a special message for the  Farris, please click the "Tribute Wall" tab above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home is honored to serve the Farris family.  Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.