Mary "Jo" (Barton) Knight, 66, passed away on June 26, 2023 at Cox South Hospital in Springfield, MO.

Jo was born on November 24, 1956 to Mary Alice (Powell) Barton and the late Joseph Barton. Jo and her brother, Withro Barton, were the 6th generation to live at the beloved family farm in Alton, Missouri which was originally homesteaded by her family. This was something Jo took great pride in. In her early years she was raised by her paternal grandparents, Irvin and Vivian Barton. She had many fond memories of exploring the hundreds of acres of farmland, tending to her horses, and leash training any animal she could catch, large or small, feral or domestic.

As Jo moved through grade school, she met her lifelong best friend, Denise Prantl. A friendship that lasted over 50 years and a constant in her life. The stories she shared of her friendship with Denise during those formative years along with other special friends Vicki and Brenda were endless and entertaining.

At age 14, Shelly was born, making Jo a big sister. This was another point of great pride in her life. Jo had many roles in Shelly's life throughout the years, which created a bond that only few are lucky enough to share.

In 1976 The trajectory of Jo's life changed when she met her husband of 42 years, Denis Knight. They quickly bonded through a love of canoeing the most dangerous rapids they could find, music, and many other shared interests. They were married in 1981 in Springfield Missouri. Jo and Denis shared a love that most only dream of. They truly enjoyed each other's company and weathered even the most difficult of times hand in hand. A better example of love and commitment does not exist.

In 1985 their first child, Tyffany was born followed by a son, Tyler, in 1988. One of Jo's greatest joys was being a mother. She dedicated her life to raising her kids, cherishing everyday she had with them. Her love and support never wavered. Jo never missed a classroom party, ball game, PTO meeting, or a chance to show her love to her children. As a family, they enjoyed many years of camping and canoeing, traveling, white water rafting, and spending quality time together.

Jo took great pride in all of her titles: sister, wife, mother, friend, aunt, etc…but there was no title that brought her more pride than being a "Gi-Gi" Jo's pride and joy and only grandchild, Austin Knight was born on February 1, 2020. The joy of being Austin's Gi-Gi radiated and was evident to all who knew her. It will always be a source of comfort that Jo's last conscious moments were looking at the face of her grandson as he repeatedly said "I love you Gi-Gi."

As Jo's health began to decline, the amount of strength she showed was incomparable. Though she suffered through things no one should have to face, she did so with dignity, an unwavering positive spirit, and a focus on others before herself. She was dedicated to making her most difficult battles easier for everyone else. Putting others before herself was her nature up until her last moments. In her final days, doctors who had cared for her previously came to visit her. They shared that they always wanted Jo to be their last patient of the day, because even on their most difficult days, they knew she would be a bright spot. Her lasting impact will reach further than anyone will ever know.

Preceding Jo in death were her beloved grandparents Irvin and Vivian Barton and George "Bud" and Roxy Powell. Her mother and father, Mary Alice Powell and Joseph Barton. Uncle, Raymond Powell, Mother-in-law, Blanche Knight and sister-in-law Joy Knight.

Jo is survived by her devoted husband, Denis Knight, daughter Tyffany and husband Kenny Bolin, son Tyler Knight and wife Moon, grandson Austin Knight all of Springfield, Missouri, sister, Shelly Thompson husband Mark of West Plains, Missouri, brother Withro Barton of Peace Valley, Missouri, niece Holly Phillips and Chuck, great nieces and nephews Ryder, Tristan, and Laney, Brother-in-law Jack Knight and wife Karen, nephew Adom Knight, Brother-in-law Terry Knight, nephew Jay Knight and wife Dee-Dee, great niece and nephew Jaxon and Carley Knight, and friends Denise and David Stewart and Vicki Baumgart.

Visitation will be from 6:00 - 8:00 PM on Friday, June 30, 2023 at Faith Chapel Free Will Baptist Church, 1501 Crider St, West Plains, MO 65775. Memorial Service will be Saturday, July 1 at 12:00 PM also at the Church.