Clara Jo Williams Reichenthaler

Clara Jo Williams Reichenthaler, known to us all as Jo, was born on November 14, 1933, in Greenville, North Carolina. Jo was an unstoppable force of nature, as anyone who ever tried to out-bid her at a painting auction could attest. She was an accomplished businesswoman, an avid collector, and a woman who could make you laugh until your sides hurt, even when she was the one telling the joke. Jo's life was a marvelous tapestry, woven with threads of laughter, love, and a little bit of mischief. She was the proud owner of not one, not two, but four retail businesses. She was a woman who knew the value of a dollar and wasn't afraid to haggle with anyone, even her own children. As the famous comedian Phyllis Diller once said, "Always remember, money isn't everything - but also remember to make a lot of it before talking such fool nonsense." Jo was also a gifted artist, creating masterpieces in oil and ceramics. Her students, many of whom became lifelong friends, will remember her for her infectious laughter, her endless patience, and her unique teaching style. She once told a student, "If you can't make it good, at least make it look expensive." That was Jo; always finding the humor in everything. But Jo's talents didn't stop at art and business. She was also an accomplished quilter, a skill she claimed to have learned "to keep her hands busy during boring council meetings." As the President of the Council & The Association at Ekklesa of Morehead City, she was known to bring a touch of humor to even the most serious meetings. She was known to say, "If you can't laugh at yourself, then how can you laugh at anybody else?" a quote famously said by RuPaul. Jo was a woman who appreciated beauty, and she had an enviable collection of paintings and jewelry. When asked why she collected so much, she would often reply, "Well, you can't take it with you, but you can certainly enjoy it while you're here!" Jo is survived by her son Karl and his wife Cathy, her daughter Bobbie and her husband Dave, her son Wayne and his wife Cindy, and her daughter Wendy. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Marvin "Rick" Reichenthaler, her son Anthony Scott, her sisters Jackie Winberry and Anne Elam and her brother Bruce Williams. Each of them have their own stories of Jo's humor, her kindness, and her indomitable spirit. Jo lived her life with a sense of humor and a zest for living that was infectious. She was a woman who never took herself too seriously and who could always find a reason to laugh. As the comedian Robin Williams once said, "You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it." Jo certainly never lost her spark, and she shared it generously with all of us. Clara Jo Williams Reichenthaler was a woman of many talents, but perhaps her greatest gift was her ability to make us laugh. She will be missed, but her spirit, her laughter, and her love of life will live on in all who knew her. As we remember Jo, let's remember to laugh, to love, and to live life to the fullest, just as she did. While her friends Alice, Faye, Janese, Margie, Terry, and many others will mourn her passing. We will rejoice that she is with her beloved husband Rick, her son Scott, and her daughter-in-law Cathy, and the many friends and family who passed before her. There are so many wonderful things I could talk about, but you all know them, so I will end with this: We miss you, Jo. Go in peace. Those desiring may leave messages of sympathy and encouragement by going to her tribute page at: https://www.stjohnsfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/clara-reichenthaler/#!/TributeWall. St. Johns Family Funeral Home of St. Augustine is assisting the family with arrangements.

Clara Jo Williams Reichenthaler

November 14, 1933 - February 2, 2026