Fannie Jo Morton

Fannie Jo Morton, 93, went home to be with the Lord on September 30, 2026. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Jo lived a long and beautiful life rooted in faith and family.

Jo was born August 28, 1933, in Obion County, Tennessee, to Franklin Eugene Beard and Ollie Shelly Timmons Beard. At an early age, Jo accepted Christ.

Jo married Allen Russell Morton on July 24, 1948. Together they shared 49 years of marriage and raised seven children. In 1955 they moved to Michigan for employment. After retiring, Jo moved to Kentucky and later made her home in Zavalla, Texas, where she spent her final years near family.

Jo was independent, strong-willed, and wonderfully witty, with a dry sense of humor that could take a moment to catch—and made it all the funnier when you did. She loved nature, wildlife, camping, fishing, and was an avid birdwatcher. She and Allen could drive countless miles just to find a deer, a bear, a waterfall, or even a skunk in the woods.

Jo was a homemaker and later retired from Ford Motor Company. Yet her most treasured time was spent with her family.

Jo is survived by her daughters, Debbie Morton Anderson (Andy) of Zavalla, Texas, and Elizabeth Morton (Libby) of Dickinson, Texas; her 17 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; and many extended family members who will carry her memory forward.

Jo was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Allen Morton; her parents, Gene and Ollie Beard; her sons, Eric Alan Morton, Stephen Russell Morton, and Michael Joe Morton; her daughters, Sharon Gail Morton-Owens and Monica Darlene Morton; her siblings, Mary Lee Simmons, J. W. “Bud” Beard, Don Beard, Claude Beard, Dale Beard, Marvin Beard, Wayman Beard, Mattie Beard DeHart, and Beverly Beard; and three children who died in infancy.

Jo leaves behind a legacy far greater than numbers can measure: generations of family, cherished stories, laughter, resilience, and a love for life. Though her family will miss her deeply, they rejoice in the promise of Scripture and the hope of heaven—that for those who belong to Christ, death is not the end, but a homecoming.

Jo will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband, Allen, at Fremont Cemetery.

“Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your lord.” – Matthew 25:23

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.