Jo Barnett



On March 19, 2021, Jo Barnett, loving mother and grandmother, passed away from the ravages of Parkinson's

disease (her words). Jo was born in Denver on May 25, 1943. Jo grew up in various small oil towns in Wyoming and Alberta, Canada. She moved to Maryland after marrying Donald Whitehead and enjoyed a successful career as a medical records specialist. After Don died, Jo chose New Mexico as her home because she loved everything Southwest. Jo married Jerry Barnett after meeting at a local art show and enjoyed helping him promote his glass work around the country.

Jo enjoyed many hobbies, including country western dancing, desert gardening, and quilting. She loved to give her famous fruitcakes to her friends every Christmas. Jo especially looked forward to hosting the Balloon Fiesta and 4th of July parties on her patio. She loved animals and owned alpacas for several years that she liked to walk around the neighborhood. Later, she was well known in Paloma Landing for walking around the community with her pet bird on her shoulder. She had a great zest for life and was always open to new adventures and activities. She will be greatly missed.

Jo is survived by her daughter Debra Garrett (Cliff), grandchildren Owen Garrett and Ava Garrett, and brother Roger Turner (Kaye). She is preceded in death by husbands Donald Whitehead and Jerry Barnett, parents Russ and Jane Turner and brother Jim. Memorial donations in Jo's name may be made to The Michael J Fox Foundation or Animal Humane New Mexico.