Margaret Joarlyn "Jo" Knowles

Margaret Joarlyn “Jo” Knowles, 84, entered into rest on Sunday, November 24, 2024. 

Jo was born on March 20, 1940, in Macon, Georgia to the late Charles and Eunice Brown. Raised in Macon, she attended and graduated from Miller High School, where she excelled in a variety of activities including intramural sports, archery, and secretarial and business studies. 

In 1961, Jo married her sweetheart, John, and embraced the joys of homemaking while raising their family. A devoted mother, she was a constant presence at her children's sporting events, often taking on the role of team mom, supporting their passions with boundless energy and enthusiasm. Jo was also an avid supporter of her family's love for hot rods and racing, and she quickly became well-versed in car maintenance, proudly knowing her way around an engine. Once her children were grown, Jo embarked on a successful career at Ikon Office Solutions, where she worked until her retirement in 2003. 

Outside of her family and career, Jo was a woman of many interests and talents. She was a devoted member of the Macon Little Theater since 1960, where she contributed to the arts community for many years. She was also an active participant in the Garden Club in Byron and shared her love of cars with her husband by attending countless car shows. 

As the eldest daughter in her family, Jo learned the importance of responsibility early on, often helping to raise her younger siblings. She also developed a talent for sewing, a skill she cherished throughout her life. Known for her warm, supportive nature, Jo was always there for those in need, offering kindness, guidance, and a listening ear. Her unwavering love and compassion made her a pillar in her family and community, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. 

In addition to her parents, Jo was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, John Wesley Knowles, Sr. and brother, Dr. Luther Edward “L.E.” Brown.  

Her memory will forever be treasured by her children, John Wesley Knowles, Jr. (Suzie) and Kenneth Erwin Knowles, both of Byron, Georgia; step-grandchildren, Brad Harvey (Meghann) and Tyler Harvey (Rachel); siblings, Charlene Brown Cotton (Jim), Ruth Stevenson (Robin), Frances Martin (Mike), and sister-in-law, Nancy Cornett (Don), along with several nieces and nephews.  

A memorial gathering will be Saturday, November 30, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A funeral service will immediately follow at 6:00 p.m. in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home.  

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be given in memory of Jo Knowles to The Alzheimer’s Association at 3040 Riverside drive, Macon, GA 31210.

For friends unable to attend at this time, the service will be streamed live at https://www.youtube.com/@McCulloughFuneralHome via the McCullough Funeral Home’s YouTube page.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.