Jo Hilburn

(From Greenfield Funeral Chapel)

Jo Evelyn Hilburn, of Greenfield, MO, departed this life on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, MO at the age of 90.

She was born on March 14, 1934 in South Greenfield, MO to Rolla E. and Nora G. (Hartman) Murray. Jo graduated from Greenfield High School. She was united in marriage to Francis “Buster” Mitchell, and he passed away in 1979. Jo married Larry Hilburn on April 25, 1997 in Eureka Springs, AR. She worked as a seamstress for Dunbrook Sportswear for 21 years. Jo was an avid reader. She enjoyed sewing and mowing her yard.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Rolla and Nora Murray; her first husband, Buster Mitchell; five brothers, Verne “Shorty” Murray, Everett Murray, Chester Murray, Clarence Murray, and Orval Lee Murray; and three sisters, Maxine Moore, Dorothy Bowerman, and Wilma Hillhouse.

Survivors include her husband, Larry Hilburn of the home; her son, Allen Mitchell of Miller, MO; her daughter, Rose Marie Alexander of Butler, MO; two step-daughters, Lana Kurt of Nevada, MO and Terrin Ast of Nevada, MO; one brother, Cecil Murray; ten grandchildren, Don Allen Mitchell and wife Dalene, Angie Clark and husband Chad, Ashley Mitchell, Melissa Dawson and husband Jason, Brian Mallory and wife Brandy, Kodee Ast and wife Macayah, Kayler Ast-Ketterman and husband Tyler, Kayden Ast and Anna, Heather Stevens and husband Charles, and Dalton Kurt and wife Samantha; eleven great-grandchildren, Darren Mitchell, Brody Mitchell, Allie Mitchell, Wyatt Clark, Colton Clark, Emma Clark, Alex Mallory, Adler Ast, Andrew Kurt, Evie Kurt, and Korbin Keenoy; one great-great-grandchild, Magnolia Mitchell; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

From her grandchildren: Grandma Jo was a kind hearted woman. Her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren cannot recall her ever saying a harsh word about anyone. Grandma loved to share her talents and interests. She spent many hours with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren teaching them how to sew taking them to line dancing and square dancing lessons. Grandma shared her love of birds and feeding them, and also shared her love of music. She loved Elvis! We cannot hear an Elvis song and not think of Grandma Jo. 

Grandma also took time to sort through her music to pick songs out and make mixed tapes for her grandkids to listen to and enjoy. Grandma’s house was full of happy memories. You always knew at grandma’s house there would be a container of cookies for a snack and a good Western on TV to enjoy. Grandma and Grandpa spent many hours watching their grandkids play sports. They were always there to cheer them on no matter the location of the game. Grandma was a loving grandma and always willing to spend time with her grandkids, great-grandkids, and great-great-grandkid. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 7, 2024, at Greenfield Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow in Pennsboro Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday at 2:00 p.m. until service time at the funeral chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital. Services are under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.