Verna “Jo” Jo (Stevens) Carothers

Verna Jo Stevens Carothers, known affectionately as Jo to all who loved her, passed away in Tucson, Arizona, on March 28, 2026. Born in Big Spring, Texas, on August 15, 1925, to Joseph Birt Stevens and Verna Evalena Hull Stevens, Jo’s long life was defined by deep love, tireless service, an unparalled love of life, and an unstoppable work ethic. She was a devoted wife, a cherished mother, and a woman whose memory will be forever treasured by everyone who knew her.

Jo’s great love story began during the Big Band era, a fitting backdrop for a young woman who was an avid dancer. She met Louis Dale Carothers at a USO dance in 1944 while he was training at a nearby military base. Their blossoming courtship was interrupted when Louis deployed as a bombardier on a B24 Liberator in Europe. Louis survived his plane being shot down and was held as a POW in Germany, but their bond never wavered across the distance. Following his liberation and the victory in Europe, they joyfully reunited and were married on July 7, 1945, at the First Baptist Church in Big Spring. After they were married, they became life-long members of the Methodist Church. They shared 59 beautiful years of marriage before Louis predeceased her in 2004.

A bright, enthusiastic, and engaged spirit, Jo was highly active in her youth at Big Spring High School. She played clarinet in the band, was a member of the High-Heeled Slipper Club (sorority), the Home Economics Club, the National Honor Society, the Press Club, and the Latin Club. She also showcased her leadership as the Co-Editor of her 1942 yearbook and the Assistant Editor of the senior newspaper. After attending Texas Tech University and later transferring to Indiana University where she studied speech and drama, she pursued a diverse and impressive career.

She shared her knowledge as a teacher of English, Geometry, and World History at Flower Grove High School. Moving into broadcasting, she showcased her marketing and organizational talents as a program director for radio station KBST in Big Spring, where she occasionally lent her voice to the airwaves as a fill-in news broadcaster. Throughout her life, Jo demonstrated incredible business acumen. In Odessa, she enjoyed using her speech and drama background in her volunteer work for productions at the the Globe of the Great Southwest Theater. She owned Jo’s Specialty Company, managed the office for Louis D. Carothers, C.P.A. , and directed advertising for the Brazoria County newspaper. Later in life, she formed Jo Carothers Business Services, LLC, where she continued to work with dedication until the age of 87.

Beyond her family and career, Jo’s heart belonged to her community. She was a passionate, driving force in Lions Club International for many years, starting in 1949. Alongside Louis, she organized and became a charter member of the Columbia First Capitol Lions Club in West Columbia, Texas, eventually serving as its President from 2004 to 2005. She was active in local, district, state, and international activities. In the district, she served as Lioness Chair, Region/Membership Chair, District Membership Coordinator, and Region Chair. She served as Co-Chair for International Understanding and Cooperation. She was well known in the state, serving as a state moderator on memberhip forums. She served two years as State Region Co-Chair for Leadership and Development for Districts 2-S1, 2-S2, and 2-S4, and a Certified Guiding Lion. She attended numerous district, state, and international conventions. Her tireless advocacy earned her numerous honors—including the 100% President’s Award, Extension Award, International President’s Certificate of Appreciation, International President’s persona award, Governer’s Award, Jack Wiech Fellow, and Melvin Jones Fellow awards—but her true legacy of service lies in her dedication as a progressive Life Member of the Texas Lions Camp and a Life Member of the Lions Eye Bank of Texas.

Jo’s greatest joy was her family, especially her daughter, Jo Dale Carothers (known to her family as Angel), and her son-in-law, Jeff Rodriguez, who survive her. After living in many communities across Texas—including Big Spring, Lubbock, Odessa, Dallas, Mt. Vernon, Sweeny, and Columbia Lakes—she moved to San Diego, California, in 2012 to be closer to them. In 2020 she moved in with Jo Dale and Jeff, so they could remain together during the pandemic. In 2024 she relocated with Jo Dale and Jeff to Tucson, Arizona, where she continued to live with them, remaining closely surrounded by their love and care.

Jo will make her final journey home to Big Spring, where she will be laid to rest in peace at Mt. Olive Cemetery during a private graveside service with arrangements by Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home.

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