Mrs. Dorothy Jo Eblen's Obituary
Funeral Service for Mrs. Dorothy Jo Eblen, 86, of Alexander City, Alabama, will be Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 2:00 pm at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Pastor Ronnie Palmer will officiate. Burial will follow at Hillview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm at Radney Funeral Home.
Jo, who also went by "Jojo" and "Mama Jo" went home to be with the Lord on March 6, 2026. Born in Marshall County on March 3, 1940 to Ollie Homer Martin and Maude Ladell Glassco Martin, Jo was a light in the lives of all who knew her, embodying the love and warmth that would define her days. Her legacy came to a peaceful close in Alexander City, surrounded by the love and prayers of the many she had touched.
Her faith brought her immense strength as well. It gave her the resolve to raise her children with selfless love, high character, and endless grace. Her strength was put on display during her service in the United States National Guard where she proudly served her country.
Jo was a lifelong Christian who demonstrated her faith daily through her actions and deeds. As a devoted member of the Alex City Methodist Church, she lived her beliefs through service, kindness, and an unshakeable trust in God's plan. Always ready with a smile, Jo believed that no person was a stranger, only a friend she hadn't yet met. Her welcoming heart and her ability to connect with others was a testament to the depth of her spirituality and understanding. Jo always enjoyed being a friendly face to anyone she met, be it at the receptionist's desk, or a random encounter in town, she always found joy in putting smiles on people's faces.
Playing card games and enjoying board games with friends and family, Jo showcased a competitive spirit always served with a generous helping of humor. She was the life of any gathering, and many will remember her fondly for her quick wit and ability to find laughter in any situation.
A connoisseur of a good mock-tail, she was known for her love of life's simple pleasures and her ability to celebrate the everyday with zest and enthusiasm. Jo was a pillar of strength, raising her children with boundless love and a wisdom that guided them into adulthood. She cherished her family, both those joined by blood and those she chose with her heart, fostering relationships that were deep and enduring.
The nurses and staff at Brown Nursing Home were among those Jo embraced as extended family. Even while receiving care, she affectionately "supervised" the staff, her leadership streak and zest for life undimmed by age.
Today, with heavy hearts, we say goodbye to a woman whose existence was a testament to love, joy, and faith. Mrs. Dorothy Jo Eblen's beautiful journey on earth may have ended, but her spirit lives on in the cherished memories we hold and in the blessed assurance that she is at peace in the Lord's embrace.
She is survived by her children, Randy (Debbie) Eblen, Laura (Danny) Forbus, and Douglas (Susan) Eblen; grandchildren, Abbi (Jacob) Underwood, Kari Eblen, Laura Eblen, Devin Forbus, Haley (Hunter) Speaks, David (Melissa) Eblen, Mark (Kimberly) Eblen, Jamie (Rebecca) Purvis, Jeffrey (Lora) Purvis, Jonathon Purvis, Natasha (Brian) Smith, and Brandon Lang; daughter-in-law, Leigh Eblen; son-in-law, Jimmy Purvis; great-grandchildren, Calvin Underwood, Willow Speaks, Christian Eblen, Avery Eblen, Hannah Eblen, Harry Eblen, Kylee Smith, Jaden Smith, McKenna Smith, and Kennedi Lang; sister-in-law, Gerry Martin; special friend, Martha (Benny) Speaks; and a host of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 30 years, Don Eblen; children, Patricia Lang, Suzanne Purvis, and Skip Eblen; sisters, Johnnie Copeland and Bobbie Stiel; brothers, J.T. Martin, Dolmus Martin, George "Pet" Martin, Gene Martin, and Othell Martin,
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brown Nursing Home Activity Fund 2334 Washington St. Alexander City, AL.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Brown Nursing Home for their love, kindness, and compassionate care.
Radney Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Dorothy Jo Eblen.
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