Jo Ellen Konert (also known as Jody or JoJo), 74, of Katherine’s Place, Fayetteville died Friday, December 5, 2025. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. She was preceded in death by her parents Doc and Anne Konert, who loved her dearly and made sure she was well taken care of. She is survived by her sister, Peggy Konert (Joanne), two brothers, Jim Konert (Linda) and Tom Konert, her Aunt Mary Ellen Furstenberg, and her nieces, Meghan, Christy, Pamela, her nephews, Jackson, Stephen, her great nieces and nephews and many dear cousins.
Born with several disabilities, she loved and laughed her whole life. Blind at birth, but with great hearing, she loved country music especially Willie Nelson, Tanya Tucker, and Patsy Cline. She recognized people by their voices and shocked many people over the years hearing their voice and calling them by name.
When we were little, my mother told us Jody saw with her fingers. We believed her and thought she had eyes in her fingers. Though she was limited in her abilities she always knew where she was going and how to get there. She was very particular about what she ate, chocolate cake, hot dogs, and fried chicken in that order.
Jody was well taken care of and loved by many in her life, and she loved them back, from the Children’s Colony in Conway, Bost Human Development Services, in Fort Smith, City Hospital and Katherine’s Place in Fayetteville. Her family has much gratitude and respect for these places and people for their care and devotion.
Jody left this world to be with her parents, grandparents, her wonderful aunts and uncles and many dear friends with her eyes wide open, truly wide open, what an amazing sight.
A memorial and celebration of Jody’s life will be announced at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bost Human Development Services, Katie Raines, 5812 Remington Circle St., Ft. Smith, Ar. 72903 or Life Styles, Inc. 2590 W. Sycamore, Fayetteville, AR 72703.
I met Jody over two years ago by taking her communion from St Joseph’s church. Jody was and is an inspiration to me and genuinely believe it was a blessing/gift from God to meet and spend time with her. There is no doubt, she is now with our Lord for eternity. I am also grateful to be able to read more about her spirit and life and know a little about her family members. She was a very special lady, full of grace, and someone I will pray with in the future.
Please let me know when her funeral/memorial service will occur.
I never met Jody, but I know her sister Peggy and her brother Tom. I know Jody was loved and cared for by her family. Caring for a special needs person requires a lot of dedication and commitment. Fortunately, Jody had family who loved her and saw that her needs were met. May the Lord grant them peace and comfort them through this sad time.
We knew Jody as part of the Fayetteville community. We are so very sorry for your loss. She was loved and well cared for all of her life. Love to all of her family.
Jody was amazing! I loved that she always knew me and that she expressed her sorrow after my beloved Louise died. We enjoyed singing together, and I treasure our friendship! RIP Jody! Rehea and Louise welcome you!