Jo Dobbs

Jo was born in Birmingham and fondly remembered her childhood in Birmingham and Gadsden. Jo attended Ramsay High School, was graduated from Shades Valley High School, and attended Birmingham Southern College where she was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority.

Jo was preceded in death by her devoted husband Carney Hoyt Dobbs, by her parents Artie Brazell Philips and George Willis Philips, and by her brothers and sister George Willis Philips, Jr., Polly Philips Metcalfe and John Douglas Philips. She is survived by her loving appreciative sons John Carney Dobbs and Philip George Dobbs, and by many loving nieces, nephews and extended family.

Jo followed her mother Artie’s advice as written in the bible Jo received when she was 8 years old at First Methodist Church of Gadsden: “For Josephine to always remember your mother. To be kind, gentle, serene and rarely combative is a fine philosophy and should get one through life without unpleasant friction.” With a gentle heart, Jo sought and exuded peace throughout her life. With this temperament, she created and maintained a happy welcoming home for her family and friends. She was beloved, adored and admired by those who knew her.

Jo and Carney’s loving devotion to each other was mutual, strong, complete and evident throughout their marriage of over fifty years, and she loved her sons proudly, absolutely and unconditionally. She was a loving, thoughtful and kind friend to many, and she was always a credit, a joy, and a blessing to any organization, group, gathering or endeavor she was a part of. With strong Christian faith, she was a longtime active member of Canterbury United Methodist Church where she and Carney were members of the J.O.Y. (Jesus.Others.You.) Sunday School class. She and Carney enjoyed Silhouettes Dance Club activities for decades. She was very involved with PTA while her sons were in school, and the Service Guild of Birmingham is among the many other good causes for which she volunteered.

She was an avid artist in different mediums. Her acrylic paintings on canvas were much admired, and sometimes sold out, at many local shows. Her artwork, on canvas or in ceramics or other forms such as her cherished unique handmade Christmas ornaments and decorations, continues to give comfort and joy. Jo was a proficient bridge player and enjoyed the game throughout her adult life as a regular and welcomed guest player in many bridge groups.

A graveside service was held at Elmwood Cemetery on January 26, 2022. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Thursday May 5, 2022, at 2 p.m., in the chapel at Canterbury United Methodist Church, 350 Overbrook Road, Mountain Brook. Visitation to be held in the church parlor immediately after the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making any memorial contributions to either Canterbury United Methodist Church, PO Box 130699, Mountain Brook, AL 35213, or to another worthy charity of your choice. Jo was also interested in contributing to medical research in the areas of macular degeneration and lung disease. Online condolences may also be expressed at www.ridoutsvalleychapel.com.

“But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23