Jo Ann McNeill Starks, a lifelong resident of Sheridan, Arkansas, passed away surrounded by her loving family and friends on Monday, September 24, at the age of 72. Jo Ann was born November 10, 1945, in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

She was the daughter of the late James Peterson "Jimmie" McNeill, Zella Rushing McNeill and Jo Elma Wilson McNeill. She was a 1962 Honor Graduate of Sheridan High School where she was voted Senior Homecoming Queen and Most Likely to Succeed. She proudly worked as a real estate administrative assistant and retired after twenty-five years of dedicated service.

She was a member of First Landmark Baptist Church where she assisted in establishing a Children's Church program. There she also worked in AWANA clubs and taught Sunday School. She enjoyed her time with the ladies from the F.R.O.G. Sunday School Class and took an active part in the Food Ministry Program. She was also a member and past president of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, Chapter Y.

She leaves behind her husband of 37 years, Thomas Wylie Starks, Jr., three daughters: Joni Nanette (Sligh) Spakes and her husband Greg of Hot Springs, Alicia Deneen (Sligh) Clement and her husband Dennis, and Courtney Elaine (Sligh) Moss and her husband Jeff of Sheridan. She was affectionately known as NiNi to her 6 grandchildren: Jordyn (Spakes) Horne and her husband Ashley, Tanner Spakes and his wife Sydney, all of Hot Springs, Lindsey Jo (Clement) Irvin and her husband Hunter of Monticello, Cassie Clement, Harrison and Anna Moss of Sheridan. She was also extremely proud of her new title of great-grandmother to Paityn and Levi Horne of Hot Springs. Survivors also include a brother Ray and sister-in-law Mary Jon Rhoades of Florida and a sister Susan Martin of Ohio.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters: Janette McNeill, JoAnne Sprackett, Jackie Norris, Linda Page and her brothers-in-law, Ted Sprackett, Jim Norris and Doug Martin.

After retiring, Jo Ann spent her days taking care of and enjoying her family, shopping and traveling with her dear friends, playing bridge, and loving on people with her baking. She had such a servant's heart always seeing the needs of others. She left a lasting impression on all the people God brought into her life.

1 Corinthians 13:13 - But now abide faith, hope and love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

She takes faith with her because that is what got her through life. She takes hope with her as it is now fulfilled in Him. The greatest of these, love, she leaves here for you to remain in your hearts and continue in you.

Funeral services will be Thursday, September 27, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home in Sheridan, Arkansas, with Bro. Shawn Hill & Bro. DeHaan Thornton officiating. Burial will follow at Lost Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday evening, September 26, 2018, from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.at the funeral home.

Pallbearers are Greg Spakes, Dennis Clement, Jeff Moss, Tanner Spakes, Harrison Moss, Ashley Horne, Hunter Irvin, Reece Groomes and Michael Stone.

Honorary Pallbearers are Jim Mayfield, John Cole, Dale Wilkinson, the ladies of her F.R.O.G. Sunday School Class and the members of the P.E.O. sisterhood, Chapter Y.

A special thank you to the caring servants of the Sheridan Health and Rehabilitation Center, Arkansas Hospice and Melissa Wilkinson Harper.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bereavement Food Ministry of First Landmark Baptist Church, 402 West Center Street, Sheridan, AR 72150.