Jo Janette Casey passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 in Houston, Texas at the age of 88.

She was born on Friday, June 10, 1932 in El Dorado, Kansas to Gladys (nee Bruner) and Clovis G. Cash of Augusta, KS.  Jo Janette attended school in Augusta, graduating from Augusta High in 1950.  After earning a BA in Education from Ottawa University, Ottawa, KS in 1954.  Jo Janette taught in Topeka, KS, where she met Mervin L. Casey from Uniontown, PA.  They were married June 26, 1956 in Augusta, KS.  A lifelong educator, Jo Janette also held posts in Detroit, MI, and Madison, WI, before returning to Augusta, KS, after her young husband's untimely death.

In 1970 she earned a master's in education from Emporia State University and joined the faculty of the school she had attended as a child, Garfield Elementary.  She thoroughly enjoyed her 25 years teaching at Garfield.  She appreciated her supportive colleagues and playing a helpful role in her hometown's civic life.  Jo Janette retired in in 1995.

Music provided delight, friendship and gave voice to her faith.  She was a member of choral groups in high school and made lifelong friends as a member of the Ottawa University Choir, as well as the Amen Choir of Van Nuys First Baptist Church and the Augusta First Baptist Church Choir.

She was an active member of First Baptist in Augusta serving as a deaconess, Sunday School teacher, class president, secretary, and song leader.  She was chairman of mission and music committees, and participated in Circle and sang in the choir.  She had a heart for missions and, in particular, supported Christian organizations that cared for underprivileged children.  She also performed many quiet acts of charity for the children she taught, which along with her fine instruction endeared her to many.

Jo Janette enjoyed traveling, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.  She was a member of Junior Forum, Book Club, Soroptimist Club, and volunteered for Meals on Wheels.

Jo Janette was preceded in death by her husband, Mervin L. Casey and parents Clovis and Gladys Cash.

She is survived by her sister, Carolyn Price; her daughters, Lisa Bowman and her husband, Brad, of Houston, TX and Karen Fickett and her husband, Harold, of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren Kyle, Emily and Avery Bowman, and Will and Eve Fickett.  She will be remembered by many nieces and nephews; David and Debora Price of Yukon, OK, John and Kristine Price of Augusta, KS, Sandy Herold of Granite Bay, CA, Gloria Jean Strang of South Park, PA, Nancy Morris of Masontown, PA, Charlotte Muzichuck of Greensboro, PA and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Memorial donations in memory of Jo Janette can be made to The Bethel Neighborhood Center, PO Box 171637, Kansas City, KS 66117, or Meals on Wheels, C/O Judy Nicely, 11710 SW Rolling Hills Road, Augusta, KS 67010.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 17 ^th at 10:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Augusta