Joan “Jo” Florer

Joan “Jo” Florer, 73, of Ozark Acres near Williford, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2020, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, at St. Bernard’s Medical Center. 

Jo was born March 1, 1947, in East Chicago, Indiana, to Dugger and Dorothy Helms Burnette. She was the adored wife of James Paul “Jimmie” Florer for 52 years, and mother to Shayne (Stacie) Florer. She served others for decades as a longtime registered nurse at Randolph County Medical Center, where she was beloved by co-workers and patients alike. She received many accolades for her nursing skills and patient care, including employee of the year. During her time as a nurse, she took special pride in mentoring and teaching younger nurses and students. Even after her retirement, Jo spent time reading and researching the current trends in healthcare and was always the go-to for friends and family with medical questions. She also spent time as a volunteer with the Spring River Ambulance Service and Eaglecrest Nursing & Rehab Center. In her spare time, Jo’s hobbies included beadwork and jewelry. Jo also enjoyed singing and music, and spent many hours listening to her beloved husband strum his guitar and sing. She took extraordinary pride in her role as “Grammie Jo,” spending countless hours at ballgames, beauty pageants and around the table playing games. 

Jo will be remembered fondly for her boisterous laugh, infectious optimism, kindness, compassion and her generosity of spirit. She never met a stranger and was loved by all who knew her. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Jeannie Burnette.

Survivors include her husband, James Paul “Jimmie” Florer; a son, Shayne (Stacie) Florer of Roanoke, Virginia; two sisters: Marie Lowe and Donna Lee; four brothers: Tom, Charles, Frank, and Doug Burnette; long-time best friend Susie Matlock; bonus grandchildren: Molly, Megan, McKenzi and Maxwell Mustread; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and good friends. 

A life so beautifully lived deserves to beautifully remembered, and we’ll do just that. Friends and loved ones are invited to a celebration of Jo’s life on Sunday, July 26, 2020, at the Skaggs Church of Christ in Pocahontas, AR. We’ll share our favorite memories and desserts during a social hour beginning at 3 p.m., followed by a memorial at 4 p.m. In honor of Jo, we ask that you please wear bright colors to contribute to the celebration.