FORT WORTH – Josephine Ayers, lovingly known as “Jo”, 87 passed away peacefully on Friday, February 6, 2026, at her daughter’s home in Dallas, when her Heavenly Father called her home. Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth, 800 W Fifth St., on Friday, February 27, 2026. Visitation 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., Celebration of Life Service 11:00 – 12:00 p.m., Celebration of Life Reception 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Mount Olivet Cemetery graveside service to follow. Jo was born in Fort Worth, Texas, to Walter Evans Arington and Josephine Novella Price. She lived in Fort Worth for 85 years before moving to Dallas to reside with her daughter who became her caregiver. She was one of four children, growing up alongside her sisters, Rosie and Clora, and her brother, Walter. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, her brother, and her beloved husbands, Larry Sullivan, Paul Sandstrom, and Ronnie Ayers. Jo is survived by her devoted daughter, Diane Sullivan, whom she lovingly adopted in 1969 with her husband, Larry Sullivan. She was deeply blessed by the entire Sullivan family and loved Larry’s family as her own. She cherished the love and joy shared with her many nieces and nephews, their spouses, and her great-nieces and great-nephews. Over the years, she built enduring friendships that grew into family-relationships rooted in loyalty, laughter, and unwavering love. A true pioneer for women in the workplace, Jo enjoyed a remarkable career of more than sixty years in the insurance industry as a sales producer. She took immense pride in her work and continued driving herself to the office each day until health issues required her retirement at the age of 85. She enjoyed her customers and coworkers and often said she wanted to go back to work. Jo was a devoted Christian who instilled a deep love of God and strong values within her home and family. She spent many faithful years at Decatur Avenue Baptist Church before later becoming a member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and longtime member of First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth. In her early adult years, she found great joy in hosting baby and wedding showers for her nieces and nephews. Later in life, she treasured special moments spent shopping and traveling with her daughter. Her daily saying was, “I love life,” and she made sure everyone knew she was a Christian. Her daughter shares this tribute: Mom, I love you. Thank you for adopting me and giving me such a wonderful life. Until we meet again in heaven, you are my angel watching over me now. Jo’s life was one of faith, resilience, devotion, and love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. MOUNT OLIVET CHAPEL Greenwood Funeral Homes – Cremation 2301 N. Sylvania Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76111 817-831-0511
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