Mary Jo Joiner Amox, 83, of Benton, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026, in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Born November 17, 1942, in El Dorado, Arkansas, to Joseph Thomas "JT" Joiner and Mable Enis Joiner, Mary Jo lived a life centered on faith, family, and caring for others. To her children, she was Mom; to friends, she was Mary Jo; and to those closest to her—whose lives were intertwined with hers and woven with her love—she was simply Jo.

Mary Jo grew up in El Dorado, where she attended El Dorado High School before pursuing her calling in nursing at the Warner Brown School of Nursing. She dedicated more than 40 years of her life to her calling as a pediatric nurse, caring for generations of children throughout her career. Her work reflected both her compassion and her deep commitment to the well-being of others. She concluded her long and meaningful career with her retirement from Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock, Arkansas.

A lifelong United Methodist, Mary Jo remained steadfast in her faith. Though illness limited her attendance, her devotion to First United Methodist Church in Benton never wavered.

In December 1971, Mary Jo met Melvin Jarel Amox in El Dorado, Arkansas, while he was serving in the United States Army. After a whirlwind six-week courtship, the two were married on January 27, 1972, in El Dorado, beginning a marriage defined by devotion and deep love. In retirement, Mary Jo and Jarel traveled the country together in their RV, though she was always happiest when she was home with her family.

Above all, Mary Jo was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother. Her family was the center of her life, and she was the quiet thread that held everyone together—keeping people connected and making sure no one drifted too far from the circle of family. She made certain that family time was cherished and protected, creating traditions and moments that will live on for generations.

She adored her grandchildren and delighted in spending time with them whenever she could. On any given day, Mary Jo could be found in the kitchen with them, baking cookies or some other sweet treat they had talked her into making. She was ever-present in their lives — faithfully running through the school pickup line, attending activities, and making sure each grandchild knew they were deeply loved.

Mary Jo also shared a lifelong bond with her sister, Patricia Joiner Trinca, who was not only her sister but her closest friend. Throughout the years, Mary Jo treasured time spent with Patricia and their extended family in El Dorado, surrounded by nieces, cousins, and lifelong friendships.

Those who knew Mary Jo will remember her as loving, compassionate, and steadfastly devoted to the people in her life. She was deeply faithful to her church, loyal to her friends, and endlessly devoted to her family. She listened with patience, cared with sincerity, and always made time for others. While she adored her husband beyond measure, she was also well known for gently nudging Jarel along when one of his famously long stories stretched just a little too far.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Melvin Jarel Amox; her parents, Joseph Thomas "JT" Joiner and Mable Enis Joiner; and her granddaughter, Allie Burns.

She is survived by her children, Mark J. Amox (Carrie) of Gainesville, Florida, and Melanie Amox Page (Jamie) of Benton, Arkansas.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Madeleine, Luke, Anne Marie, Bella, Laney, and Ashton.

She is further survived by her sister, Patricia Joiner Trinca (Richard) of El Dorado, Arkansas.

Mary Jo lived a life defined by faith, family, and a calling to care for others. As a nurse for more than four decades, she brought comfort, steadiness, and compassion to the children and families she served. At home, her family remained her greatest joy, and she poured the same care and devotion into the lives of her children, grandchildren, and those closest to her, leaving a legacy of love, faith, and service.

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Services:

Visitation: Tuesday, 5:00–7:00 p.m. Ashby Funeral Home Benton, Arkansas

Funeral Service: Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. First United Methodist Church Benton, Arkansas

Burial: Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. Pinecrest Memorial Park

Memorial may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association of Arkansas