Betty "Jo" Wood Harrell

Betty Jo Wood Harrell, 78, of Morehead City, North Carolina, passed away on April 3rd, 2025, at the Crystal Coast Hospice House, surrounded by her beloved family and friends. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." — Matthew 5:8

A celebration of Jo's life will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, April 12th at Munden Funeral Home in Morehead City. The family will receive friends following the service.

Born on November 23, 1946, in Morehead City, NC, Jo enjoyed a life filled with education and creativity. She was in the first graduating class of West Carteret High School and also a proud graduate of East Carolina University. She spent over 30 years as a schoolteacher, retiring from Newport Elementary School.

Jo cherished spending time with her four grandchildren. To them, she was affectionately known as "JoJo," a name that reflected her warm and nurturing spirit. As a talented artist, she especially enjoyed sharing her love of painting with them. Watching her three grandsons play baseball brought her tremendous joy. They could always count on JoJo to be there to cheer them on.

Catching up with old friends and former students brought her genuine joy. When she asked how someone was doing, it wasn't out of habit — it was from the heart. Jo always came alongside family, friends, and students to listen and encourage them during tough times, embodying the words of Galatians 6:2: "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Her sense of humor and quick wit made for many treasured laughs and brightened the lives of everyone around her.

Music was a constant presence in her life. The melodies of her favorite songs filled her home and heart. Jo also had a special place in her heart for animals, having cared for many family pets over the years, including her beloved granddog, Izzy. She enjoyed giving back to her community by volunteering at The Crystal Coast Hospice House, the very place where she was cared for with the same compassion she had shown others.

Jo's greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her son, Arlen Harrell and his wife Darla of Newport, NC, along with their children Maggie, Miles, Miller, and Mason; and by her daughter, Anna Harrell of Morehead City, NC.

She is also survived by her sisters, Lisa Wood of Atlantic Beach, NC and Sarah Benbow and her husband Steve of Morehead City, NC; her niece, Daisy Powers of Worcester, MA, and her children Rose, Zeke, and Xavier; and her niece, Claire Kendle and her husband Paul of Nashville, TN,

Jo was preceded in death by her mother, Billie Wood, and father, Clyde Wood, of Morehead City, NC.

Jo's warmth, humor, kindness, and creativity will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." — Isaiah 41:10

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.