Nancy Jo Ash Lake

Nancy Jo Ash Lake, 83, affectionately known to most as Jo, passed away quietly and peacefully at her home in Little Rock on Saturday morning, December 3, 2016. Jo was raised in Atlanta, Illinois, a farming community, where she grew up in a family filled with music, laughter and friends, one of whom, Jim Lake, would later become her husband. Jo earned a Bachelor's at the University of Colorado, where she joined the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, with which she maintained close ties for years. After Jo and Jim married in 1955, they moved to Boston, where Jo earned a teaching certificate and became a school teacher to support the couple while Jim attended graduate school. They relocated to Chicago where Jim began his career, and Jo continued to teach 6th grade until she had her first child. She ultimately had three sons, all of whom credit some of their success and happiness to the positive and uplifting environment Jo nurtured during their upbringing. Jo and family moved to Little Rock in 1973 so Jim could advance his career. A few years later, Jo went back to school to earn her real estate license. She worked as a realtor for several years to help support the family while Jim launched a new business. Jo earned deep respect from her colleagues and love from her clients for the care and attention she paid to every transaction. Jo's professional career was cut short suddenly by a brain aneurysm in 1984, but she bounced back remarkably quickly, and soon re-learned to talk, walk, read, write and even drive a car again, confounding the expectations of her physicians. Jo displayed this same incredible fortitude throughout her life; she faced numerous potentially fatal or crippling conditions from childhood, to early adulthood, to her elder years. Yet every time, she responded with the same positive attitude, refusal give in, and broad smile. Over the years Jo was involved in music, the arts, crafts and collecting. She played trombone as a youth, then piano for most of her life. As a young girl she learned to knit, and continued knitting through much of her adulthood. She became especially known for the baby blankets she made for children of friends and family. As a young adult Jo began painting, which she continued for much of her life, in a style influenced by impressionism. She volunteered for years at the Arkansas Arts Center, one year serving as chairman of their annual fundraiser. Later, when Jo could no longer paint or knit, she insisted on keeping busy with a craft, so she made sets of dinner napkins for friends and acquaintances. Jo was a collector of antique furniture and quilts, teddy bears, rare coins, art, and beanie babies. She was an avid reader, and had a keen interest in politics. She was also a huge Cubs fan, and was thrilled to see them win the World Series. Although Jo was widely known for her flamboyant outfits and bright nails, she will be most fondly remembered for the way she made people feel. Her positive outlook was contagious. One always felt better about themselves and the world after chatting with Jo. She had a knack for bringing out the light in people, and inspired everyone she touched. Jo is survived by her sons Tom, Andy and Barry; their spouses; and grandson, Nicholas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Jo's memory to the Arkansas Arts Center, or the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, or the charity of your choice. A private commemoration is pending.