Jo Massengill Obituary

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jo Carole Hobgood Massengill on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the age of 83. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, she passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family.

Jo was the quintessential example of "bloom where you are planted." She grew friends and cultivated friendships like a master gardener. Her kindness and sense of humor touched everyone she met.

Born on December 30, 1942, to Dennis Jackson (DJ) and Dorothy (Dot) Hobgood in Oxford, NC, Jo's life was one filled with laughter and love. After graduating from Fuquay Springs High School in 1961, she attended Peace College in Raleigh, graduating in 1963. She then enhanced her shorthand skills at Hardbarger Business College where she met the love of her life, James (Jim) Massengill. Jo often said her Jimmy was "the most handsome man she had ever seen, excluding Elvis, of course." After a brief nine-month courtship, they married in Richmond, VA on Christmas Day 1963. That day was chosen because Jim had just started at CP&L and had no vacation yet. Together, they began a journey that would take them to fourteen different homes across North and South Carolina during Jim's career with CP&L and Progress Energy. Despite the frequent moves, Jo's warmth and openness ensured that every new place quickly felt like home, as she built lasting friendships wherever they went.

Jo's beauty, both inside and out, was recognized early on when she won the Miss Wake County Beauty Pageant in 1961. She went on to compete in the Miss NC Pageant, which was part of the Miss America Pageant.

After retirement, Jim and Jo moved to the North Carolina coast in 2003. After having a second home in Atlantic Beach for twelve years and renting by the week for many years before that, they finally built their dream home in Spooner's Creek in Morehead City, and for over 20 years, filled their days with fishing, sunbathing, shrimping, gathering sand dollars, and laughing with friends and family.

Of all her many accomplishments, Jo was most proud of her two wonderful sons: Dennis James [Donna] of Smith Mountain Lake, VA, and Russell (Russ) Wayne Massengill [Angie] of Cary, NC. Raising them and watching them grow into happy, successful husbands and fathers was the true joy of her life. In addition to her husband, Jim, and her children, Dennis and Russ, Jo is survived by her beloved grandchildren: Colton James Massengill, Garrett Russell Massengill, Logan Marie Massengill Principe [Alex], and Carter Andrew Massengill.

Jo was predeceased by her parents, DJ and Dot; grandfathers, Walter Slagle and Joseph Hobgood; and grandmothers, Hallie Slagle (Mama) and Elizabeth Hobgood. Though an only child, Jo's life was always full – thanks in part to her many cherished pets, including Peachy Roll (a duck that followed her to and from school as a child), her cat, Fuzzy, and Blondie, Ziggy, Holly, and Tessie, her beloved dogs.

Jo faced her battle with dementia with courage and grace. She was blessed with an amazing companion while she received in-home care. She then attended Carteret Landing Memory Care in Morehead City, NC, for ten months, where the staff helped her transition from home to a facility. Later, she moved to Runk and Pratt in Hardy, VA, where the staff, her "sitter," and the staff at Medi Home Health & Hospice all provided exceptional care. Jim and Jo also received incredible support from Dennis and Donna's "lake family," as well as the spouses and families at Runk and Pratt, all of whom surrounded Jim and Jo with love and became family to the entire Massengill clan.

Jo would want you to remember her with a smile, knowing she is now living her best life with her Savior, Jesus Christ. Her faith was a guiding light throughout her life, and she leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and devotion.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jo's name to either First Baptist Church of Morehead City, NC or the Carteret County Humane Society would be greatly appreciated.

A Celebration of Life will be held at First Baptist Church (810 Bridges Street, Morehead City, NC 28557), 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 31, 2026. A luncheon will follow the service.

Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount/Smith Mountain Lake, VA.