JoJo Obituary

It is with great sadness that the family of Carole Joyce DeHaven announce her passing on January 10, 2025.

She was preceded in death by Father John Lester "Buzz" Allmon and Mother Frankie Iris Hodges Allmon and Son-in-law James Robert Miles .

She is survived by her children Kara DeHaven Miles, Jana DeHaven, Kirk (Darcie) DeHaven, and George (Stacy) DeHaven, Grandchildren Ryan (Olivia) Miles, Cole (Crystal) Miles, Beau Miles, Alec DeHaven, Monet VanVoorhis, Rylee DeHaven, Doak DeHaven, Calder VanVoorhis, Brielle DeHaven, and Nash DeHaven; Great Grandchildren Brandon, Lucy, Georgie, Arthur and Henry Miles; Sister in Law Vicki (Terry) Olson.

Joyce DeHaven graduated in 1952 from Smithville High School in Missouri. She was Smithville High Homecoming Queen and a very talented pianist, playing at church and many revivals. She then attended William Jewel College in Liberty, MO where she studied Art. While at William Jewel she was a member of the Beta Sigma Omicron sorority. She was William Jewel Homecoming Queen and the Sigma Nu White Rose Queen. Married in 1956 to George W. DeHaven III where they lived in Hoover, MO. They had two daughters Kara (1957) and Jana (1959). They moved to Santa Monica, CA in 1960 where she began modeling and started her own beauty agency. Then in 1962 they moved to Dallas, TX. after crossing the Mojave Desert pregnant with Kirk. Eventually settling in Sparkman Club Estates where in 1966 they were blessed with a fourth child Coby.

Joyce became very active in the Sparkman community serving on the board in many capacities. The Sparkman community depended on her leadership and support on important neighborhood issues. She also worked hard for the D.I.S.D. to preserve the neighborhood school and was committed to public education. She served as PTA President at Caillet Elementary, Cary Junior High, and Thomas Jefferson High School multiple times. Ultimately working with the Mayor, Superintendent, and City Council trying to improve Dallas schools and eventually speaking before a Congressional Committee.

Joyce had a successful career as a sales representative for 25 years. During this time, in 1983, she became a grandmother with her first grandson, Ryan. She didn't want to be called Grandmother, so she became "JoJo" forever after. God gifted JoJo with ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was their biggest cheerleader and devoted all of her time, energy, and love to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a very spiritual person as well. She attended Lovers Lane United Methodist Church for 50 years as a devout Christian. She was always very active and still walking the neighborhood at 87. She continued to walk even after her hip replacement. The horrible effects of Alzheimer's took her from us too soon. We will miss her every day and always carry her memory in our hearts.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday January 31st at 7:00PM at Sparkman Club Estates 3366 Duchess Trail, Dallas, TX 75229.

Donations can be to https://the womensalzheimersmovement.org