Jo Cravens Deal

Jo Cravens Deal, 84, of Bryant, formally of Fayetteville and Dallas, departed on her final journey on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014. Born Feb. 17, 1930 at Paris, Ark. to the late Earle and Gladys Cravens, she was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Byron Cravens and her husband, Dr. Philip L. Deal. She is survived by her children, Fred H. Deal (Stephanie) of Dallas, Jan D. Patrick (Rob) of Bryant, Ben L. Deal (Catherine) of Dallas. She was Mimi to seven grandchildren, Ben, Caroline, Colleen, Hunter, Jared, Jordan and Kate and a great-grandson Martin. After a brief stint as an elementary teacher, Jo was a homemaker and excellent mother. She moved to Little Rock in 2001 to live near her daughter and family. Despite being afflicted by polio as a child, it never slowed her down until the last three years, which she spent in Parkway Village and Stagecoach Nursing Centers. She never met a stranger. She had a sharp wit and a keen eye and was always the life of the party. You never knew what she was going to say but it almost always caused explosive laughter and people walking away shaking their heads saying, "Did you hear what Jo Deal said?" She was known as the Flag Lady for decorating the grounds at Parkway and Stagecoach with American flags during patriotic holidays. She was very active in charitable work throughout her life and gave freely of her time and money to help others. Always concerned about those around her, she was never stingy with her advice. She traveled extensively and especially loved her summers in Colorado. A sports fan, she loved the Razorbacks and the Cowboys. According to her wishes, there will be no memorial services. She did not want anyone to mourn her passing. The family would like to thank everyone that took care of Jo during her time at Stagecoach. Cremation services provided by Griffin Leggett Forest Hills Funeral Home of Little Rock.