PINE BLUFF — Margaret Jo Dean Chambliss,
94, of Pine Bluff was a beloved mother, g ra n d mother, and great-grandmother who had a uniquely quick wit and caring heart. She passed away Monday, September 25, 2023 at Trinity Village Medical Center.
“Mama Jo” was born October 13, 1928, in Pine Bluff, daughter of Joe and Carrie Richardson Dean.
She was reared and received her early education in Glendale, graduating from Glendale High School in 1946. Mrs. Chambliss earned her Bachelor’s degree from Henderson State College (now Henderson State University) in 1950.
After college, she taught business for two years at Glendale High School and worked at Hollis and McClain accounting firm for a short time.
Margaret Jo Dean married Harvey Dow Chambliss February 14, 1954, at Olive Street Missionary Baptist Church in Pine Bluff.
She kept the books at the family farm while also being active in the school and extracurricular activities of her children, Dean and Jo Ellen.
Mrs. Chambliss was a member of First Baptist Church of Pine Bluff. She served as treasurer of the Babe Ruth World Series any time they came to Pine Bluff. Mama Jo enjoyed staying active, including her Thursday bridge group, Rock N Rebs square dancing club, Scat Group and serving on the board of Trinity Village.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Harvey Dean Chambliss.
Survivors include her daughter, Jo Ellen Gibbins (David) of Sheridan; daughter-in-law, Susanne Chambliss; grandchildren, Lauren Meredith, Alison Wynne (Andrew), Andrew Sanders (Mary), Ben Sanders (Jennifer), John Sanders (Heather) and Carrie Ashcraft (Dusty); and 16 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be 11 a.m., Friday, September 29, 2023, in the Fellowship Hall of First Baptist Church of Pine Bluff with Dr. Bryan Bolton officiating followed by a “coffee and doughnuts” reception. Interment will be private by Ralph Robinson and Son Funeral Directors.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 6501 S. Hazel Street, Pine Bluff, Ark. 71603, or Trinity Village Medical Center, 6400 Trinity Drive, Pine Bluff, Ark. 71603.
Online register: www.RalphRobinsonandSon.com