Jo Kimbrell Kauffman's Obituary
“A barrel of laughter, a bundle of fun, yes, Jo’s the one.” This quote from her 1957 senior yearbook perfectly captures the essence of Jo. Spending time with her always led to smiles, laughter, and lightness of heart. Her favorite Bible verse Micah 6:8, “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” epitomized her approach to life and service to others.
Jo Kimbrell Kauffman, 86 years young, passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at her home in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The daughter of Lucy Bowlin Kimbrell and Earnest Clifton Kimbrell, Jo was born February 28, 1940, in Rison, Arkansas, into a large, loving, happy family. She cherished the days spent growing up at Rose Hill with her siblings and cousins and always had an entertaining tale to tell of their exploits and adventures.
Working first as a bookkeeper, she had a career as an auditor for the Arkansas Child Nutrition Program where she combined two life-long passions: feeding others and caring for children.
Jo was a devoted mother and truly a fun mom. A favorite memory of both her girls is cruising Sonic in McGehee with Mom lying low in the back seat, so we could impress our friends driving “alone” at 14 with our new learner’s permits. Not a natural animal lover, Jo consented to a dog as long as it was a Pug, and Dodi, our Pug, made Jo's life busier and better for fourteen years. Now, many years later, we still have a grumble of Pugs. In the 80s, Jo gained the nickname “Jo Momma” from her daughter Anne, and over 50 years later, it is still everyone’s favorite name for this sweet lady who loved and mothered all in her sphere. She was just as much as a grandmother and loved nothing more than spending time with her grandchildren and great grands.
Raised in New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Rison, Jo later joined the United Methodist Church. From teaching Sunday School to serving as youth leader, she found fulfillment serving Christ, others, and her church. After moving to Fayetteville, she joined Community Meals at Central United Methodist and made many dear friends. Most recently, she has called Christ Church NWA her church home.
Jo’s hobbies included feeding her family, traveling, going to the lake, and cheering on the Arkansas Razorbacks. Raised by an Elvis fan, Jo loved music, and anyone who spent much time with her remembers her rocking to ZZ Top’s “La Grange” and the Eagles “Take It to The Limit.” In 2024, she checked a bucket list item by attending the Jimmy Buffett concert at the Amp with her grandsons.
Jo is survived by her husband of 42 years John L. Kauffman, her siblings Mary Francis “Teany” Lunsford, Larry Lynn Kimbrell (Janet), and sister-in-law Sue Kimbrell (Howard), her daughters Lynn Pearson, Anne Pearson Raines (Don), Joyce Kauffman, Louise Kauffman Bradley (Wayne), and Cathy Kauffman Oliver (Randy), and one son James Kauffman (Kathy). Jo is also survived by a host of grandchildren including Seth Raines (Baylee), Alasdair Raines, and Savannah Raines (Ben Zuerlein), great-grandsons Tadhg and Rowan, grandson John Bradley (Spring), great grandsons Jacksyn and Seth, granddaughter Tara Bradley Smith (Andrew), great grandchildren Keegan and Rebeccah, granddaughter Krystle Bradley, great grandchildren Gavin and Carmen, grandson John Comer (Melanie), great grandchildren Peyton, Brooks , and Harper, granddaughter Carrie Comer Cross (Chris), great grandchildren Tyson (Lily), granddaughter Haleigh, grandson David Comer (Natalie) and great grandson Hudson, grandson Matthew Kauffman (Jeannie), great granddaughters Katie Warren and Sierra Warren Wood (Aiden), great grandson Nathan, granddaughter Staci Oliver Schirling (Larry), great grandchildren Alysondra and Roland and grandson Wesley Oliver (Sky) and great granddaughter Ellie. Many special nieces, nephews, and friends were included in those Jo Momma called her own—you know who you are and how she loved you.
Jo was predeceased by her parents, her siblings Margie Kimbrell Harris, Howard Dewie Kimbrell, Sr., and Gary Clifton Kimbrell, Fred Wayne Kimbrell, and one granddaughter Amanda Kauffman Warren (Tim).
Oh, how we will miss this wonderful person in our lives! But how very blessed have we been to have known and been loved by her. She has given us an excellent example to follow and an enduring legacy for generations to come.
Visitation will be 10:00 am - 11:00 am Tuesday May 19, 2026 at Moore's Chapel. Graveside service will be 11:30 am Tuesday at the Fayetteville National Cemetery under the direction of Moore's Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105
To place an online tribute, please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com
What’s your fondest memory of Jo?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jo?
Share a story where Jo's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jo you’ll never forget.
How did Jo make you smile?
