Jo Gray George

Jo Gray George of Blairsville passed away on Monday, May 28, 2018. Jo was born in McCayesville, GA to Carl and Mae Gray on September 17, 1931. Her parents preceded her in death when Jo was very young. She was raised by her uncle and aunt, Gaither and Pearl Turner, as their own daughter. She was preceded in death by her brother CG Turner and sisters Geraldine Green and Eva Mobley. Her sister Marjorie (Tommy) Quintrell remains her closest friend. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and many other nieces and nephews.
While her immediate family benefited most from her unconditional love, endless cooking, and open hospitality, all who knew her can attest to her kindness, generosity, and encouragement. Her life was a testament to her love for Christ - from teaching Bible School, providing meals and a home to those in need, and the endless passion she showed in making a difference in the lives of her students.
She inspired her children – Barry (Alison) George, Garry (Jeanie) George, Lyn Harbin, and Jacque (Tsali) Bentley – not only to pursue their education and dreams, but led by example as she continued to pursue her education even at the age of 70 when she returned to her beloved University of Georgia for a Certificate in Gerontology just so she would know what to expect once she was old. Known as "Jo G" to her seven grandchildren – Samantha George, Andrew (Colby) George, Matthew George, Stewart (Jennie) Harbin, Morgan Bentley, Will (Abigail) Harbin, and T Bentley, she made each one feel special in their own way and was their biggest cheerleader at their activities.
Jo was a favorite friend to the neighborhood children and her students alike hosting Christmas Teas, Etiquette Dinner Parties, and yearly Senior Class Cookouts. Jo's sense of humor and adventure allowed many opportunities to teach a lesson in every situation. It was not unusual to find a full sized teepee in her yard with Jo dressed in costume. She loved to surprise dinner guests by serving "BLUE" mashed potatoes. Her travels allowed her the opportunities to ride an elephant in China and a camel in Israel, to see the Pyramids in Egypt, and see New York City and the Florida Keys with her grandchildren.
Jo was a member of Blairsville First Baptist Church for the past 60 years and was a member of the Faith Sunday School Class. In addition to operating a successful insurance agency, a motel and a restaurant, Jo worked over 30 years for the Union County School System. She started the first kindergarten in Blairsville, taught classes in the middle school, and served as the counselor in both the middle school and high school. As the sole High School Counselor, she started the Scholarship Program for graduating seniors which today has grown to over $1 million. As a lifelong learner herself, she worked diligently to help her students obtain their goals, encouraged them to further their knowledge and to give back to their communities. In 1992, the year she retired from the school system, Jo was featured by the AJC for her tremendous effort in obtaining 100% participation from parents of each graduating senior to meet each of their 4 years of high school to discuss and equip the students to reach their career goals. The results were the greatest proportion to receive college-prep seals, greatest number to receive vocational seals, and the highest percentage to further their education and training after high school. In recognition of her commitment and service, Jo was awarded an Honorary Diploma from UCHS and graduated with the Class of 1992. After retiring from the school system, Jo turned her efforts toward the aging. She began the Second Wind Dreams program at the Union County Nursing Home in 2001. Since that time, over 200 citizens – most of whom lived at the nursing home - have been blessed with a Second Wind Dream.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Georgia Baptist Children's Homes and Family Ministries at www.gbchfm.org. The family will receive friends at the Union County Community Center on Friday, June 1 from 5 pm – 8 pm. The funeral service will be on Saturday, June 2 at Blairsville First Baptist Church at 11 am. Cochran Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences online at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.