Josephine P. Trussell

Josephine P. Ethridge Adair Trussell died August 25, 2010 in her beloved hometown of Fordyce, Arkansas. She died at St. John's Place, Fordyce, AR, of metastasized colorectal cancer. The staff of St. John's, the Hospice Angels of Pine Bluff, Dr. Michael Payne and Dr. Hugh Albert Nutt, lovingly cared for her during the past 48 days. Known to all her loved ones as "Jo" or "Miss Jo," she had lived in Fordyce most of her life. Jo was born in Ogemaw, Arkansas, February 17, 1929, to Mr. Garland Ethridge and Mrs. Roberta Ruth Upton Ethridge, both deceased. Shortly after her birth, the Ethridge Family moved to Fordyce. Jo is a 1946 graduate of Fordyce High School. In October 1947, Jo married Mr. Marion Houston Adair and Houston was the father of their only child, Penny. Houston died in September 1977. Jo married Mr. Lawrence Weems Trussell in 1980, and he died in 1998. Two brothers, Mr. Otis Gladston Ethridge of Fordyce and Mr. Opal Reid Ethridge of Bearden predeceased her. Also, she was predeceased by Mr. Trussell's son, Dr. Thomas Weems Trussell, who died in 2003. As well, her beloved "Dan-O", Dan Alan Northen of Arkadelphia, predeceased her. Dan died in May 2006. Jo is survived by her daughter, Dr. Marion Penny Adair Ferguson, and her son-in-law, Mr. Marion Grey Ferguson, III of Arkadelphia; her sister, Mrs. Ramona Ruth Ethridge Davison of Bearden; her brother, Mr. Billy Joe Ethridge (Carol) of Fayetteville, a host of nieces and nephews, friends, loved ones; Mr. Trussell's daughter-in-law, Mrs. Priscilla Provine Trussell of Conway; Mr. Trussell's grandchildren: Ms. Nona Boatright (Luke) of Kentucky, Mr. Larry Trussell (Anne) of Conway, Mr. Tommy Trussell (Amanda) of Conway, Mr. Charlie Trussell of Little Rock; and her dear friend and companion for the past 7 1/2 years, Mr. John E. Brewster of Rison, Ark. Jo was a faithful and adored member of the Fordyce First United Methodist Church for 57 years. She served faithfully as the church secretary for 33 of those years, retiring from that position in June, 1995. At the Fordyce First United Methodist Church she was a long time member of the Gleaners Sunday School Class, where she served as President. Also, the last few years she was a member of the Daisy Ruth Garrett Circle at Fordyce First United Methodist Church. Jo's entire life was devoted to the Lord Jesus, her family, her friends, and her church. She graced all the lives of those who knew her with beauty, generosity, and kindness. We are all blessed by knowing her, and our lives are richer because of her loving and compassionate heart. The burial is at Oakland Cemetery in Fordyce on Saturday, August 28, 2010, 9 a.m. A celebration of Jo's life is Saturday, August 28, 2010, 10 a.m. at Fordyce First United Methodist Church. A reception for family and friends will follow the celebration service in Hope Hall of the Fordyce First United Methodist Church. No flowers or plants are requested for either service. Memorials may be made for Jo Ethridge Adair Trussell at Fordyce First United Methodist Church, 104 E 4th St., Fordyce, Ark. 71742 or to Group Living, Inc. P.O. Box 159, Arkadelphia, Ark. 71923. Pallbearers are: Mr. Derwood Archer, Mr. Roy Johnson, Mr. Richard Ledbetter, Mr. John Lockwood, Mr. Roger McClendon, Mr. David Smith, Mr. Charlie Trussell and Mr. Buster Garlington. Honorary pallbearers: Members of the Gleaners Sunday School Class of Fordyce First United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.com.