Jo Locke, a devoted wife, cherished mom, aunt, grandma, sister, friend, servant, mentor, and the rock of our family, departed this world on June 6, 2026. Jo blessed this earth with her presence and left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Whether you wanted it or not, Jo would let you know what you needed to do to improve yourself or your situation.
On June 9, 1961, Jo married Vic Locke, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, tears, service, and community involvement for six decades. She was preceded in death by her husband, Vic Locke, and her son, Steve Locke (Robyn).
She is survived by her daughter, Vicky Jo Berberick (Pat) of Wichita, Kansas; three grandchildren, Hunter, Haley (fiancé Rylee), and Zach; and two great-grandchildren, Oakleigh and Talon. Each of them brought immense joy to her life. Whether she was traveling to watch Hunter or Haley compete in sports or attending Zach’s school plays and piano recitals, she was always there to cheer them on. She also loved spending time doing crafts and activities with Oakleigh and Talon.
Jo is also survived by her brother, John Moomaw (Vicki) of Topeka, Kansas, along with four nieces and two nephews.
Jo attended Coffeyville Community College before earning her master’s degree from Pittsburg State University while raising two children at home. She taught for USD 445 at Lowell and Garfield Elementary Schools and retired in 2002 after a long and impactful career in education. Long before she became a grandmother, she had already touched the lives of countless schoolchildren. Along the way, she mentored new teachers and formed lifelong friendships with many of the special women who taught alongside her.
Her family treasures countless memories of Jo as a teacher. She always planned thoughtful and intentional activities for her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Everything was a learning experience. During family trips, she would have the children count water towers along the way. While cooking, they learned fractions by measuring ingredients. Jo even had turtles that regularly visited her patio, and the children were challenged to give them rhyming names. Nothing, however, brought her greater joy than holding one of her grandchildren in her lap and reading a story together.
Jo enjoyed quilting and lovingly gifted many of her handmade quilts to family members, creating treasured keepsakes that will be cherished for generations. A common theme throughout Jo’s life was giving. As a Salvation Army Community Volunteer, she and Jodi started a school supply giveaway for children in need. She was also instrumental in many Salvation Army outreach programs, including the Angel Tree, Toy Run, the Salad Luncheon, and Shop with a Cop. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church, where she served as a greeter and participated in numerous outreach efforts, including Christmas food basket programs and Vacation Bible School.
For many years, Jo was a dedicated member of the FKHS Golden Tornado Booster Club and served as a valuable resource for Coffeyville Community College Red Raven athletes who needed a meal or a helping hand. She was a passionate sports fan who enthusiastically cheered for KU basketball, OU football, and, most importantly, any team on which her grandchildren or great-grandchildren were playing. Jo also served as State President of the Gamma Rho Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority.
Jo’s legacy of encouragement lives on in the many handwritten notes she sent throughout the years. They were never just cards; they were personal, heartfelt letters filled with encouragement, kindness, and genuine care. She wanted people to know they were seen, valued, and remembered.
To honor Jo’s legacy, consider taking the time this month to handwrite a note to someone and let them know you are thinking of them.
Her family will honor her memory with a celebration of life service on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, located at 304 W 10th Street in Coffeyville. Friends are invited to gather with the family beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the same location. Cremation and services will be conducted under the guidance of Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel. Those who wish to make memorial contributions in Jo’s honor may do so by directing donations to either the Salvation Army Coffeyville Service Volunteers or the First United Methodist Church; contributions can be left with the chapel. The family appreciates the support and kindness extended during this time of remembrance.
