Ms. Jo Francis Guillory

1937 ~ 2021

Date of Death: November 26, 2021

In profound sadness, the staff of Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. want to express our sincere condolences to the Guillory family. Jo Francis’ earthly temple is now resting in the care of Rowell-Parish Mortuary. Revelations 21:4 says "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead you will surely gain strength from the memories of Ms. Jo Francis Guillory.

Sincerely,

Derrick Veasley ~ Director

Henry Veasley ~ Director

Pastor E.C. Maltbia ~ Chaplain

Ms. Jo Francis McClish-Guillory was a gift from God on Tuesday, January 12, 1937 the late Fredrick and Mary McClish, Sr. in Cedars (Pocola), Oklahoma. She was called to take her eternal rest on Friday, November 26, 2021 from Fort Smith, Arkansas. She was also preceded in death by one of her children: Charles A. McCurtain; eight of her brothers: Fredrick Jr., Tony, Hubert, Robert, Johnny B., Earl, Jimmy and Billy McClish; and a sister: Ruby McClish Poole; and two step-sisters: Norman Ballman and Jackie Woodard.

Ms. Jo Francis was the fourth of twelve children in the McClish family. She accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age and was baptized at Union Missionary Baptist Church, she was a member for over fifty years. At the time she answered God’s heavenly call, she was a member of Haven Heights Baptist Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She was truly devoted to God and loved people; she was a self-determined lady who did things her way (only her way) and would feed anyone hungry.

Ms. Jo Francis entered into holy matrimony with Emmit McCurtain, Jr. and together they had four children. Later in life, she wed Antoine Guillory, who also preceded her in death. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren (they were her world). She was a very loving, caring, energetic, funny, strong-willed, sassy and outgoing lady who never held her tongue. She was known as the pie-lady for years in her community and who was also young-hearted. She was an organized person who would advise young people on their finances. She will be forever adored and appreciated by all who knew her throughout her life.

Ms. Jo Francis will be cherished and remembered by her three children: Mary (Thomas) Brock, Shirley Mott and Edward (Charlotte) McCurtain all of Fort Smith, Arkansas; her seven grandchildren: Barry (Keisha) Richardson Jr., Minyon (Corbin) Cobbs, NaTasha (Jessie) Greene, LaToya (Leonard) Williams, Myron Brock, Tiffany (James) Bates and Charles McCurtain; twelve great-grandchildren: Sayvion Brock, Jordian Greene, Barry Richardson III, MaKayla Richardson, Brooklyn Richardson, Tyron Brock, Jaden Williams, TyKierah Brock, DeShawn Brock, Myles Brock, Gavin Brock and Collin Cobbs; a sister: Cynthia McClish-Tillman of Memphis, Tennessee; two brothers: James McClish of Fort Smith, Arkansas and Maurice (Kathy) McClish of Wichita, Kansas; a step-sister: Nathalee McClish of Tulsa, Oklahoma; three step-brothers: Willie Ricks of Pocloa, Oklahoma, Maurice Ricks of Fort Smith, Arkansas and Pastor Lee (Lynn) Wright of Fort Mitchell, Alabama; a sister-in-law: Elgenis McClish of Wichita, Kansas and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Visitation will be Tuesday, December 7, 2021 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Rowell-Parish Mortuary 611 North 9th Street Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.

Celebration of life service will be held Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Haven Heights Baptist Church 7701 Highway 271 South Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.

Committal service and final resting place will be at Oak Cemetery Fort Smith, Arkansas.