Annie Jo Stone Hamilton
Annie Jo Stone Hamilton, lovingly known to all as “Jo” or “Granny Jo,” was born on May 18, 1936, in McCaskill, Arkansas, and passed peacefully on March 20, 2026, surrounded by the family she cherished so deeply.
Jo lived a life rooted in love, hard work, and unwavering devotion to those around her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Pat and Doris Stone; her sisters, Reba and Bobbie Stone; and her son-in-law, Doyle Rutherford.
On May 25, 1957, she married the love of her life, Thomas “Dick” Hamilton. Together they built a beautiful life and would have celebrated 69 years of marriage this year—a testament to their enduring love and commitment.
Jo was known far and wide for her green thumb. Whether tending to her vegetable garden or nurturing her flower beds, she found joy in growing things and sharing that joy with others. She loved giving family and friends’ flowers to “root,” leaving little pieces of her garden—and her heart—with everyone she knew.
She was also a gifted seamstress, always ready to hem, patch, or mend anything her family needed. Jo was a true doer—no task was ever too big or too small. If something needed to be done, she did it, and she did it well.
Her greatest joy, however, was her family—especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Much of her retirement was spent caring for them, creating memories they will treasure forever. From hunting crawfish and gathering blackberries to searching for Catawba worms, “Granny Jo” made even the simplest moments feel like grand adventures.
Jo was strong-willed and never afraid to speak her mind, a trait that made her both admired and deeply loved. She lived with honesty, grit, and a heart full of generosity.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Dick Hamilton; her brother, Darwin Stone; her sisters, Patricia Grimes and husband Randy, and Jean Smith and husband Ronnie; her son, Richard “Ricky” Hamilton and wife Bonnie; and her daughter, Becky Hamilton.
She also leaves behind a legacy of love through her grandchildren: Chad Cole, David Hamilton and wife Emily, Chasity Hawthorne, Timmy Gilbert, Sherry Hamilton, Jennifer Johnson, and Austin Hamilton; her great-grandchildren: Tristen and Kirstyn Gilbert, Skylar Hawthorne, Kai, Kason, Kynslee, and Kowen Hamilton; and her great-great-granddaughter, Waverly Cunningham.
Granny Jo’s life was one of simple joys, strong values, and deep love. Her hands shaped gardens, mended clothes, and held generations together. She will be missed beyond measure, but her spirit will live on in every flower that blooms, every story told, and every memory shared.
Visitation will be held 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Brazzel-Oakcrest Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2026, with Bro. Jake Vadenberg officiating at Brazzel-Oakcrest Funeral Home in Hope, Arkansas. Burial will follow at Friendship Cemetery in McCaskill under the direction of Brazzel-Oakcrest Funeral Home.