Jo Ann Harper

Jo Ann “Jodie” Harper, age 87, of Hot Springs, passed away, Thursday, March 3, 2022.

She was born on July 6, 1934, the daughter of William I Meeks and Blanch Garrett Meeks of Glenwood.  On August 17, 1954, she married Marlon Harper, and they were blessed with 61 years of marriage.  She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her sister, Patsy Grubbs; and her brother, Bob Meeks.

Jodie attended the First Church of the Nazarene of Hot Springs.  She enjoyed many past times which included, cross stitch, knitting, word games, including crossword, loved putting puzzles together and she enjoyed bowling in bowling leagues.  Granny was a wonderful cook; she is most known for her sugar cookies and chocolate covered cherries and she had a special touch in preparing these that no one could duplicate.  She was an avid Razorback fan and the family would like for those attending her services to wear their Razorback apparel.  Her family was the center of her life, she loved spending time with them and was affectionately known as “Granny” to her family.  She will be so greatly missed by all.

She is survived by her two sons and daughter-in-law, Jim and Becky Harper of Hot Springs and Bill Harper of Yakima, Washington; her grandchildren, Tori Darnell, Miranda and Brad Mabry and Zac and Nina Harper; seven great-grandchildren, Colton Mabry, Hunter Mabry, Jackson Harper, Emily Darnell, Ethan Darnell, Mo Harper and Connor Garibay; her daughter-in-law, Jan Harper of Hot Springs; her special nephew and wife, David and Yvette Grubbs; several nieces and nephews, extended family members and many wonderful friends.

A memorial service will be held at a 10:00 AM, Saturday, April 9, 2022, in the Smith Family Funeral Home of Hot Springs.

Honorary pallbearers will be her dear neighbors, Jeri and Bill Conatser.

Guest registry is at www.smithfamilycares.com.