Jo is survived by her husband, Rev. Charles Chandler; her daughter, Rachel Toman and husband Daniel; her son, Dean Sewell; her daughter, Rebecca Sewell; her son, Julian Haynes and wife Leona; and her step-children, Pam Moore, Jeff Chandler, Barry Chandler, and Carla Chandler.

Jo is also survived by her beloved sisters, Jeanette Yingling and June Cox; 16 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and an abundance of friends.

Jo was preceded in death by her parents; 10 siblings; her previous, husband, Jimson Nelson; and step-daughter, Pam Nelson.

Jo grew up in California. She moved to Sulphur in 1971. Many people knew Jo as the quick-witted, take no hassle waitress at the Artesian Restaurant. Jo attended East Central University in Ada, where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Education with a minor in Music. She was a special education teacher at Indianola, Bethel, and Sulphur public schools.

Jo was married to Jimson Nelson who passed away on June 24, 2018. Jo married Charles Chandler on May 7, 2021.

Jo was a member of Memorial Freewill Baptist Church from 1977-2021. She was a member of Central Baptist Church since 2021.

Jo was a member of the Artist of the Arbuckles and the Literary Arts Forum. She was a prolific artist who focused on acrylic, water color, and sketches. She served as treasurer for various local organizations.

Jo was passionate about music. She played the piano and composed music. She was learning the ukelele. Her favorite music was traditional hymns. She enjoyed sewing and reading in her spare time.

Jo would tell you that her greatest accomplishment was being a loving wife and mother. She was immensely proud of her family and was at her happiest when surrounded by her loved ones.

Services for Jo were held at 2:00 p.m.on Monday, February 19, 2024.Burial followed at Drake Cemetery.

Pallbearers were JordanAllen, Blake Patrick, Levi Burton, Cameron Cisneros, Ben Noland, and Torrey Hency. Honorary Pallbearers were Michael Burton, Jeff Chandler, Barry Chandler, and Daniel Toman.

Services are entrusted to Hale’s Funeral Home of Sulphur. Online condolences may be offered at halesfuneralhomes.com.