Jo Blakely

Jo Blakely 1943-2024

Wilma Jo Blakely, age 80, peacefully passed away on February 26th, 2024, in Gainesville, Florida.

Born on July 9, 1943, in Guyton, Georgia, Jo was the cherished daughter of Joseph and Agnes Phillips. Her formative years were spent in Lyons, Georgia, until a serendipitous encounter in Sioux
City, Iowa in 1962. It was there, amidst the twirls and spins of a dance floor, adorned in a radiant yellow sundress, that she met her beloved husband, Troy. Together, they embarked on a journey that would define their lives. Settling in Micanopy, Florida, they nurtured their family, delighting in the joys of grandparenthood and great-grandparenthood as Nana and Poppa.

Jo was a woman of remarkable versatility. From crafting exquisite birthday and wedding cakes to navigating the roads as a school bus driver, her skills knew no bounds. She blazed trails as one of the pioneering members of an all-female firefighting squad in Micanopy and dedicated years of service to various esteemed institutions, including the University of Florida, American Chicle Company, Mars Candy Company, and the Alachua County Courthouse, where she eventually retired.

Throughout her life’s journey, Jo found solace and strength in her faith, which she shared with her communities at Micanopy Baptist Church, Countryside Baptist Church, and North Gainesville Baptist Church. Jo and Troy spent countless hours spreading the good news to youth through the Child Evangelism Fellowship of North Central Florida and Camp Good News. Her passions were as diverse as they were endearing. An avid collector of salt and pepper shakers, she found joy in the whimsical humor of Pickles comics and the captivating prose of Danielle Steele’s novels. Yet, above all else, her heart belonged to her family, her friends, and her unwavering devotion to the Lord.

In her passing, Jo leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and boundless compassion, forever etched in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Jo was preceded in death by her father, Joseph Wilmer Phillips, mother, Addie Agnes (Sanders) Phillips, daughter, Selena Joyce Blakely, grandson, Davis Randolph Goode, and two sisters, Betty Jo
and “Bill”.

She is survived by her husband Troy, siblings: Gerry, Carolyn, Buddy, and Sandy, daughters: Cheryl (Joe), Wanda (Scott), Terri, and Lori (Mark), 15 grandchildren: Tara, Loree, Bart, Catie, Charlene, Jake, Jana, Jessica, Wayne, Heather, Patsy, Rainy, Joseph, Brieanne, and Mandy, 21 great-grandchildren: Zach, Alex, Mattis, Lucy, Jack, Juniper, Evan, Dylan, Cooper, Mazey Jo, Noah, Jack, Kiala, Kimberly, Preston, Lillyan, Robert, Jewel, Jett, Jemma, and Oakley, and many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

In remembrance of Jo’s life, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, anyone who may wish to express their sympathy, to consider making a donation to Child Evangelism Fellowship of North Central Florida, https://cefofncfl.churchcenter.com/giving.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 1, 2024 at 10:00am at Milam Funeral Home in Newberry, FL. Interment in Countryside Cemetery. Arrangements are in care of MILAM FUNERAL AND CREAMATION SERVICES 22405 West Newberry Road, Newberry, FL 32669, (352) 472-5361, www.milamfh.com.