Born in Chicago in May 1930, she attended Taft High School and Wright Junior College. While in college, she held various offices of her Beta Omega Chi fraternity as well as chairman of prom, dance, and other school activities. She was on her senior homecoming court and designed and won first place with their homecoming float. She was also nominated to serve as her area model for the 42nd Annual Chicago Auto Show in 1950, which featured ultra-modern vehicles.
After several suitors, she met the love of her life in November 1949 and they were married in September 1951. With her sister, Marge and her family, they moved to Bryan, Ohio and soon after, they sent the men to Holland, Michigan to look for work and a place to live in 1958. They ended up living a backyard apart while their parents moved to operate a much-loved resort in Gobles, Michigan on Duck Lake.
Jo was a dedicated Avon representative for over 30 years. She was a member of the Holland Newcomers Club and Garden Club, which saw her win multiple awards for her designs at Tulip Time. Her gardens were a work of art. She joined the Beta Sigma Phi Society Club and remained a member for 64 years until the club dissolved.
Upon raising their children, she frequently took them to the Getz Zoo and Tulip Gardens on Lakewood Blvd. Later, the beach located in the Getz Zoo area became their go-to place with her best friend and children.
While wintering in Arizona, she organized several events for their community and steered a group together to attend the 2002 Rose Parade where they were able to help put together one of the floats.
She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Long in 2006, sister Marge (Bill) Kurth, and great-grandchildren Allison Kay and Alexander Michael.
Surviving are her children Vicki-Jo Long of Zeeland, Linda-Jo (Doug) Cook of South Haven, and Michael Kelly Long of Holland. Also surviving are six grandchildren Kelly-Jo (Andrew) Hoekstra, Kimberly-Jo Van Heuvelen, Jamie-Jo (Joel) Tamandl, Brandon (Jenn) Cook, Samantha-Jo (Matt) Zwiers, and Brenden Long. In addition, she is survived by great-grandchildren Austin, Jon, Abbi, Anna, Tony, Addy, and Graham; as well as niece and nephew Terry Reimink and Bob Kurth, and several cousins.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Sunday, November 24 at Lakeshore Memorial Services – 11939 James St. Holland, MI 49424 from 2-4 PM.
Memorials can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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