Jo Marie Lunceford

Jo (Josephine) Marie Lunceford, age 81, of Odessa fought a long, courageous battle after suffering the effects of a stroke. For 10 years she fought each day, blessing those around her with her love and feistiness, before passing away May 5, 2026 at her home in Odessa, TX.

Born October 4, 1944 in Greenville, SC, Jo moved to Odessa in early childhood with parents Ray and Nellie Smith, where she went on to graduate from Odessa High School. On June 1, 1961 she married high school sweetheart Kenneth, spending almost 65 glorious years together as husband and wife. Devoted to raising her 3 boys, she was highly involved in all their activities, serving in multiple organizations, school offices and booster clubs, and was a second mother to hundreds of her sons’ schoolmates and teammates, a role she truly cherished. Her work life was high-pointed by serving over 2 decades in ECISD administration, where she earned the love and respect of countless co-workers and students, but her true calling was as mother and housewife. Jo lived for cooking, bowling, bunco, and running the table at cards. She was notoriously ornery, famous for her practical jokes and infectious laughter, and poured every last ounce of herself into her friends and family.

Jo is survived by husband of 64 years Kenneth of Odessa, Brent Lunceford (Stacie) of Austin, TX, son Shane Lunceford (Laura) of Saginaw, TX, son Craig Lunceford of Nashville, TN (Laara), grandchildren Tyler (London), Macy, Cliff (Tori), Reece (Jessica) and Lexi, and 2 great grandchildren Milo and Lawson.

She was preceded in death by parents Ray and Nellie Smith, and sister Katherine Louise Westbrook.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 14, 2026 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home, with Graveside Service at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 15, 2026.