It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Jo Ann Hargis White, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Jo Ann departed this world on May 4, 2026, at the Circle of Life Hospice Home in Springdale, AR, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on January 27, 1944, in Bradley County, AR, to John Noel and Lillie Hargis.
Jo Ann was a beacon of faith and devotion, known for her unwavering commitment to her Christ, her family, her church, and her community. She graduated from Hermitage High School in 1962 where she excelled academically and held many leadership positions. She was a National Merit Scholar Finalist and pursued further education at Henderson State University.
Together with her husband, Royce White, Jo Ann spent three decades creating and drawing house floor plans and designing and building custom homes, leaving a tangible legacy of beauty and craftsmanship in each structure she conceived.
As an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Springdale, Jo Ann dedicated many countless hours volunteering at the church’s food pantry and assisting wherever she was needed in the church, embodying the spirit of giving and service that characterized her life. Her faith in Christ was the cornerstone of her existence, guiding her through the joys and challenges she faced in life.
Jo Ann is survived by her devoted and loving husband of fifty-nine years, Royce White of Springdale, AR, her cherished daughters, Leslie Webb (Mike) of White Hall, AR, Whitney Crutchfield (Jared) of Maumelle, AR, and Sloane Early (Preston) of Springdale, AR. She leaves behind four beloved grandsons, Matthew Hart of Little Rock, AR, Abe Young (Courtney) of Katy, TX, Eli Young of Fayetteville, AR, and Jake Early of Little Rock, AR, who were the pride and joy of her life, truly. Jo Ann is also survived by her sister, Twila Whiteley of Berryville, AR, and her nonbiological sister and lifelong best friend, Blanche Garner of Pine Bluff, AR.
She is preceded in death by her parents, John Noel and Lillie Estelle Colvin Hargis, and her siblings, Arlie June Hargis, Bailey Mac Hargis, and Sonya Nell Knowles.
A service to celebrate Jo Ann’s life will be held on May 9, 2026, at 10:00am at the Nelson-Berna Funeral Home, located in Fayetteville, AR. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to:
Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N Michigan Ave. Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601
Amyloidosis Association, 7151 N. Main St. Ste. 2 Clarkston, MI 48346
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thank you to Don, Cynthia, and Susan Puckett for their unwavering friendship and support throughout this journey. Special love and gratitude isextended to Jo Ann’s Circle of Life Hospice Home hospice team, including Nurse Samantha Thompson, Nurse Aide Chelsea Freeman, Chaplain Teresa Jones, and Social Worker Charity Hawkins for their compassionate care, love, and support over the past six months.
Jo Ann White’s legacy is one of love, devotion, integrity, and a life dedicated to the service of others. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who Knew and loved her.
