She was born in Cumberland County, Tennessee to Reevie and Sidney Blaylock on July 17, 1936.  In 1956 she married Homer J Freels and they went on to live in several states and countries as part of his service in the Navy. No matter where she lived, people gravitated toward Jo’s upbeat nature and love of life.

When she wasn’t busy making new friends, Jo enjoyed playing card, word games, and Bingo.  She never missed a Vols game if she could help it, and quilted avidly until a year before her death. She made amazing fried chicken and remained bewildered to her dying day why everyone liked it so much.

Jo leaves behind two children: Janet Floyd and husband Phillip, Darryl Freels and wife Tanja of Cookeville, along with three grandchildren: Casey Floyd of Knoxville; Tara Freels of Busan, South Korea; and Megan Freels of Atlanta, GA.. She is survived by her sisters, Ruth Moore of Pikeville, Jackie DeBord of Dunlap, and Dora Swafford of Pikeville.  She was preceeded in death by her husband, Homer Freels,  parents, Sidney and Reevie Blaylock, a sister, Velma DeBord, and a daughter  Sharon Denise Freels.

In addition, she leaves behind many friends at Cedar Hills Retirement Village of Cookville, where she had lived for the past year.  Her family wish to thank the staff  who made her life so enjoyable during her stay.”