Carol Jo Powell-Lockwood

SHERIDAN - Carol Jo 'Jo' was born on June 13, 1945 to her parents, the Honorable Carl and Viola Francis. She was raised in Yamhill County, the heart of the Willamette Valley, in the town of Dayton. Her mother was a social worker and her father an attorney, judge, representative, and senator. From her parents, she learned the power of kindness and compassion. She enjoyed growing up in the family home with her older sister, Judy. At an early age, she showed a love for dance, and consequently began a life-long interest in ballet. She danced throughout her school years and into adulthood, learning from instructors throughout the state. She was accomplished in ballet at a young age, but declined offers to dance professionally. Additionally, she had an affinity for words, which was apparent through her love of reading the works of others, and of writing poetry herself. Further, she was known by family and friends to have the gift of using words well in speech and could engage in extensive conversations about abstract issues. She attended both the University of Oregon and Western Oregon State College. She also painted, played and composed music for the flute, enjoyed crafts of all kinds, and was an avid gardener. She was a Master Gardener, and could be found in her own garden tending to flowers whether the day was warm and sunny or blustery and wet.  Her affinity for gardening was an opportunity to combine nature, art, nurture, and meditation into one activity.  Unlike most women, she didn't have a favorite flower, instead loving all varieties. She worked for a number of non-profit agencies throughout her adult life; most recently, she enjoyed working for Northwest Senior and Disability Services (NWSDS) in Sheridan, Willamina, and Grand Ronde, where she was the site coordinator for Meals on Wheels, located in the Church of the Nazarene. During her service there, she made many friends, including colleagues, community volunteers, recipients of services, and affiliates of the Church of the Nazarene. She found great satisfaction in serving the seniors, both at the meal site and in their homes. The aspect of her job which she most loved was her interaction with others. She loved animals, and was a kind and loving caretaker to her own pets, Jessie, the dog, and Fat Boy, the cat.  She could also be found feeding and caring for the neighborhood strays near her work site in Sheridan. Because of her actions, many community members in the area began to share in the care of these, as well. Jo described herself as a free-spirit.  She was friendly toward others, appreciated nature, and danced to her own inner music. Her mind was open, as were her arms, her heart, and her door to any in need. Jo had many outdoor hobbies, including fishing, camping, gardening and landscaping, collecting rocks, watching wildlife, and spending nights at the beach with her 'Hunbunn', gazing at the ocean.  She felt spiritually comfortable and at peace when exploring Native American cultures. Her humor was known to be creative and witty. Her use of humor assisted many in facing the challenges in their own lives. She had a penchant for using humor to support others during illness, and was frequently found to be "liberating" latex gloves and blowing them up and drawing on them to make silly balloons while visiting loved ones in the hospital.She was privileged to have her family living near her.  She is survived by her husband, Montie Lockwood of Sheridan; her sister, Judy Anderson of Newberg; her son, Ian Powell of Keizer; her daughter, Heather Toller of Salem; her son, Cory Lockwood of Gresham; and her grandson, Chad Powell of Keizer. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 28 at the Church of the Nazarene, 917 S Bridge St., Sheridan. Refreshments will be provided following the service. Donations may be made in Jo's name to NWSDS Meals on Wheels program, 917 S Bridge St., Sheridan OR 97378.  Arrangements by Dallas Mortuary Tribute Center. Online condolences at