Jo Ann Ashmore, 79, of Prairie Grove, passed away Thursday, January 8, 2026 in Fayetteville. She was born October 18, 1946 in Memphis, TN to J.T. and Willie Mae Walton Staten.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Jo Ann was a transcriptionist for Washington Regional Medical Center. She enjoyed camping, going to the casino, and spending-time with family
She is survived by her husband Richard Ashmore of the home; a son Patrick D. Ashmore of Washington State; a daughter Brandy Jean Wright of Bella Vista, AR; brother David Staten of Memphis, TN; sister Myrna Staten of Memphis, TN; and grandchildren, Camille Jean Wright and Tyler Wright.
Funeral services will be 11:30 AM Thursday, January 15, 2026 at Beard’s Funeral Chapel. Interment will follow in the Fayetteville National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 10:30 AM until service-time at the funeral home on Thursday.
Jo Ann is my closest in age of the 10 cousins on my mom’s side of the family. She also looked the lost like my mom and her mom and the sisters….I grew up in Arkansas and she grew up in Memphis, the big city that opened my eyes to many new adventures especially under the tutelage of Jo Ann …3 years my senior. It is true that we learn a lot about life thru our older cousins. I would ride the Trailways bus from ElDorado, Arkansas to spend time with her in the summer and we had so many adventures and discussions of how things really were…memories and lessons I can vividly recall and thank her for. Love to her family…
Many condolences from our family. Definitely so sorry for her loss especially to those who loved her most. Prayers to all!
Joann was a great part of our three musketeers group. Jo Ann, Lynn and Debra since 1963. Best friends forever.
She will be greatly missed. We were so sad to hear this. Thoughts and prayers for her family. Fly High “Josie”
Love, Lynn Stephens and Debra Bryant
JOANN STATEN ASHMORE WAS A GOOD FRIEND IF NY TWIN BROTHERS JOHNNY AND RONNIE SCROGGINS AND OF MY FAMILY SHE WAS A LIL LADY WITH A BIG OLE HEART IM SO SORRY FOR LOSS OF JOANN HER BROTHER DAVID WAS IN MY GRADE RIP BEAUTIFUL LADY AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU LOVE PRAYERS HUGS ❤🙏🏻❤🙏🏻❤🙏🏻❤🙏🏻
So sorry for the loss of Jo Ann, I know she was a beloved wife and mother. You all will be in our prayers, may your memories of her sustain you through this difficult time.
Jo Ann has been a wonderful part of our family and she will definitely be missed. She was a great wife and loved her children and grandchildren with all her heart. Our prayers are that the wonderful memories will sustain her family as they grieve her loss. We are praying for you and may God give you peace in your heart. Love to everyone, Randy and Brenda
Thank you Joann for letting your sister share part of your name with me. Also thank you for sharing your mom with me. I will also remember the summers that my mom or grandmother brought me to Heber Springs in the summer and spending time out on the lake. I will also remember when you would bring Brandy and Pat to Memphis to grandma and grandpa’s house just to hang out and play games. I will truly miss those family get togethers. I will miss you (love you)💔
Ashmore family, I am so sorry for your loss. Jo Ann was a lovely, kind woman and a wonderful 2nd mom to me all through high school and beyond. She will surely be missed by all those that knew her. Sending hugs your way; Brandy, Rick, and Pat.