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http://announcements.news-leader.com/obituaries/today/gillih...

springfield mo
news-leader

july 17 , 2003






Jo Alice Gillihan


Jo Alice Gillihan, 64, died peacefully in her sleep at home early Saturday morning, July 12, 2003 after a battle with Bulbar ALS. Born September 22, 1938 in Newport, Ark., she and her husband Allan Gillihan moved to Springfield after their marriage in 1958. Jo attended SMSU, receiving her undergraduate degree in theater and English, and masters degree in child counseling. Jo taught drama and English in the Springfield public school system. After retiring from Kickapoo High School in 1996, she was a docent at the Springfield Art Museum. Jo's life was a celebration filled with expression and learning. She enjoyed what life has to offer, in particular reading, cooking, gardening, sailing with her family, art, opera, travel, and theater. Her inquisitive enthusiasm was contagious, and she left this world a far better place for having touched it. Jo Alice Gillihan, "Mrs. Gillihan" the teacher, Jody the sister, Miss Jo, Mom you will be greatly missed. We are so looking forward to the day we can hug you again. Jo was preceded in death by her father, Guy Saxon Stephens; mother, Cleda Vae Stephens; and brother Guy Stephens, Jr. She is survived by her husband, Allan Dean Gillihan; daughter Dana Lynn Gillihan of North Carolina, son Michael Scott Gillihan and his wife Selinda Gillihan of Springfield, her sisters, Sharon Stegall and Kay Ellen Shelton, and her brother Mike Lane Stephens, all of Arkansas. A memorial service will be held at Church of the Good Shepherd, 3830 S. Jefferson, in Springfield at 4 p.m. Thursday, July 17. The Reverend John Spicer will officiate. There will be an outdoor reception Thursday evening at the family home from 7 to 9 p.m. For more information contact the church at: (417) 889-4414. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the ALS Association.