Carolyn “Jo” Franco, 69, Plymouth, passed away peacefully after enduring a heart ailment for many years. Her death came at 3:35 a.m. Thursday July 30, 2015, in the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka.

The daughter of Orla S. “Orly” and Edith “Louise” (McClure) Long, she was born in Plymouth on Dec. 30, 1945. As a family they were longtime members of the Plymouth Church of the Brethren.

Jo was an active member of the Plymouth High School Class of 1964. To this day she has been instrumental as a class historian and keeping alive monthly times together with local classmates. She also continued her studies at Manchester College.

On March 20, 1976, in Hawaii, she became the bride of Joe G. Franco who has remained steadfast at her side.

She had served as bailiff for Judge Colvin with Marshall County Superior Court II and currently worked in the Auditor’s office. Jo simply enjoyed life especially through the activities of her family and friends along with keeping in constant touch with them through Facebook. She loved boating, long country rides, trips to the DQ, and gardening. She was a whiz at crossword puzzles and had accomplished ballroom dancing.

Survivors include her loving husband: Joe; her children and grandchildren: Darren J. (Angie) Stevens, Plymouth; and their children: Samuel and Hunter; Paige R. (Marc) Bollinger, Dallas, Texas; and children: TiJae and Tiffany; Shannon L. (Shanda) Stevens; and their children: Madison and Morgan; and Joe “Joe-Joe” G. Franco, Indianapolis. A dear sister: Marilyn J. Hix, Plymouth; also survives along with three nephews: Rik; Todd; and David.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Family and friends will gather at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, Plymouth, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. Sunday August 2. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday August 3, in the Plymouth Church of the Brethren, Plymouth, with Rev. Paul Nye officiating. Calling will continue there after 10 a.m. until time of services.

Interment will be in the New Oakhill Cemetery, Plymouth.

Memorial gifts may be made to the American Heart Association, Marshall County Humane Society or the Church of the Brethren.