Murlene "Jo" Blackshear

Murlene “Jo” Wilene Blackshear, age 88, of Royal, passed away on Sunday, July 2, 2023.

She was born January 10, 1935, in Strangers Home, the daughter of Ralph Charles Hall and Janie Maden Hall.  She is preceded in death by her husband, Virgil Blackshear, in 2000; her parents; her brother, Jewel Hall; and one daughter-in-law, Tiny Felton.

She was a Christian and a member of 70 West Church of Christ for over 40 years.  Jo was very outgoing, never meeting a stranger.  She was a fabulous cook, which led to her owning several restaurants.  She could dance the Jitterbug and enjoyed hunting and being outdoors.  Her family meant the world to her and she will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her.

She is survived by three sons, Steve Felton, David (Vickie) Hill, and Scott (Angela) Blackshear; seven grandchildren, William Felton, Jeramie (Bray) Felton, Stevie (Sherry) Felton, Sabrina (Brock) Buys, Dustin (Whitney) Blackshear, Baily (Isaiah) Patton, Brooke Blackshear; ten great-grandchildren; extended family members and a host of wonderful friends.

Memorial service will be held at 10:30AM, Saturday, July 8, 2023, in the Smith Family Funeral Home Chapel, Hot Springs.  A visitation will be 10:00AM until 10:30AM, prior to the service.

Guest registry is at www.smithfamilycares.com.