Eva Jo Henley

Eva Jo Henley, “Jo” passed away on August 20, 2021. She wasborn and raised in Wyconda, Missouri to Elbridge and Reta Fletcher on April 5, 1923 and was the last of the Fletcher/Henley “Greatest Generation.” At the age of 19, she took the train to Richmond, CA to live with her sister.It was here while waitressing she met her future husband, Kenney. The couple married August 9, 1944 in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. 

After living in Richmond and Burlington IA, they settled in Concord, CA in 1960 where Jo took pride in being the quintessential homemaker. She also took pride in her faith, raising her five children in a religious based household, along with being an active member of the Free Will Baptist Church. When her children were raised, Jo found pleasure working for Jim and Charlotte Krecji. Over the next 30 years, she continued to use her maternal instincts by helping raise their daughters and becoming a vital part of their family. 

Besides her strong faith, Jo was known for her infectious laugh and excellent cooking. She cherished bringing her family and friends together over the dinner table where no one could get enough of her fried chicken and pies. Jo loved eating sweets. “Ice cream is good any time of the day,” was her motto, as long as it was vanilla.

Jo was at her happiest when she was driving the coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington or when she found bargains at garage sales or Macy’s. She enjoyed watching baseball, scripture reading, and gardening. Her love for flowers was obvious when looking at the abundance of color in her yard. She loved the blossoms of her fuchsias as much as her grandkids loved popping the buds . 

Jo is survived by her children Gary Henley (Sue), Bob Henley (Lois), Joe Henley (Monica), Judy Henley, and Sue Joyal (Norm). She will also be missed by her grandchildren Laura, Chet, Alana, Elane, Sandy, Paula, Alexis, Marissa, Aaron, Ariel, Alixandria, Kenney, Kyle, Kristen, and twelve great grandchildren. 

Services will be held at Ouimet Brothers, 4125 Clayton Rd, Concord on Thursday, September 9th at 10:00am. Jo will be laid to rest at Oakmont Memorial Park, Lafayette. Donations may be made toCraniofacial Department UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Foundation, PO Box 45339 San Francisco, CA 94145-0339

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