Jo Ann Barley

On October 27, 2023, Jo Barley passed away peacefully. Jo was born on December 7, 1939, in Corona, New Mexico, to James Elvin Robinson and Edna Thelma Griffin Robinson. She was studying occupational therapy at the University of New Mexico when she met her future husband, Lee James Barley Sr., whom she married on August 30, 1958.

Jo's passion for sewing began while raising her children, and it eventually led her to establish her own company, Jo Barley Originals. She initially started with smocking, Brazilian embroidery, and French handsewn lace garments. Jo further expanded her business by designing and sewing figure skating and ballet costumes for her daughter, JJ. Her talent and dedication allowed her to extend her business, designing and completing costumes for numerous others, including entire ice shows. Jo has been sharing her outstanding design and sewing talents by giving lessons and presentations to the local community.

Jo was a long-time active member of the First Presbyterian Church, where she served in various capacities in the past 51 years. She served as the nursery coordinator, wedding coordinator, and engaged in many fellowship groups across the years.

Jo is survived by her children: Lee James Barley II (Shelly), Robin Carol Barley-Stock (Mark), Stephen Keith Barley, and Jennifer Jo Barley-Dunning (Jason). Her dearest grandchildren: James Robert Cunningham (Rachel), Jessica Robin Preble (Michael), Amanda Marie Barley-Hopkins (Jesse), Josephine Carol Hofstetter (Jason), Lee James Barley III (Rosalie), Aurora Elizabeth Dunning, and Holden Elias Dunning. Her beloved great-grandchildren: Rebecca Carol Cunningham, Alexandra Lee Yoke, Noel Marie Hopkins, Olivia Ann Preble, Weston Gideon Hopkins, Elizabeth Anna Hofstetter, Roxy Eileen Hopkins, Irene Felicity Cunningham, Myles Lee Hofstetter, and Emmanuel Lee Cunningham. Jo was preceded in death by her loving husband, Lee James Barley Sr. in 2018.

A Memorial Service honoring Jo Barley will take place on Sunday, November 5 at 2:30 pm at First Presbyterian Church, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations go to the sewing ministry group, The Humblebees at First Presbyterian Church. To send condolences, please visit bohlenderfuneralchapel.com.