Jo Carolyn Presson, a beloved mother, grandmother, and devoted friend, passed away peacefully in Lexington, Kentucky, on October 14, 2024, after a long battle with kidney disease. She was born in Clay, Kentucky, on October 27, 1940.

Jo is survived by her son, Matthew Edward Presson, 55, of Lexington, Kentucky, and his wife, Heron Hollingsworth Presson, as well as her cherished granddaughter, Mattelyn Walker Presson. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, James Donald Presson, her son, Marc Brendon Presson, and her sister, Billie Anne Rayburn.

Raised in Clay, Kentucky, Jo pursued her passion for nursing by attending nursing school in St. Louis, Missouri. She began her career at a Deaconess Hospital in Henderson, Kentucky. In 1964, she married James Donald Presson, and together they moved to Lexington, where Jo worked as a dedicated nurse in the Labor and Delivery wing at Saint Joseph Hospital. Her husband, Don, served as the perfusionist at the same hospital.

Jo was a devout Christian and an active member of both Southland Christian Church and Southland Evangelical Church. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, guiding her actions and interactions with others. Known for her warmth, Jo was a wonderful cook and took great pride in maintaining a tidy and welcoming home.

Her most cherished role was being "Jojo" to her granddaughter, Mattie. Jo's legacy is one of kindness, gentleness, and unwavering love, qualities that endeared her to all who knew her. Her presence will be greatly missed by family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no visitation. A private graveside service will be held in Henderson, Kentucky, where she will be laid to rest alongside her husband and other family members.

In honor of her legacy, please consider directing memorial donations to Bluegrass Care Navigators or Sanders Brown Center on Aging. 

To share a remembrance of Jo or to offer condolences to her family, please visit milwardfuneral.com to sign the tribute portion of her obituary page.