Josephine "Jo" McCarty, of Farmers, Kentucky, passed away at home on Thursday, May 16, 2024. Per her wishes, she died on the same hill she was born. She was the eldest child of Virgil "Cub" Thompson, of Farmers, Kentucky, and Oria Smith, of Hazard, Kentucky.

Jo loved watching things grow on the farm, from calves to a bountiful garden, to the natural landscape of her native forests and hollers. She was an avid reader, a history buff but always knowledgeable on current events, with a sharp wit and mind. She was a wonderful cook and mainly a homebody, but also loved her few travels during retirement, whether it was visiting beaches in Florida or sitting on the shores of Lake Superior.

A first-generation graduate of Rowan County Senior High School, going on to earn a bachelor's and two master's degrees from Morehead State University. Jo worked for more than 25 years as a financial aid and guidance counselor for the Kentucky Community & Technical College System. Her career was filled with a passion for post-secondary and adult education to improve the lives of the people of eastern Kentucky, particularly working parents.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 48 years, Benny R. McCarty of Farmers (originally Salt Lick), her three children and their spouses: Benny Eric McCarty and Mary McCarty of Salt Lick, Kentucky; Beth L. (McCarty) Long and James E. Long of O'Fallon, Illinois; and Jessica L. McCarty-Kern and Shaughn D. Kern of Northern California; and three grandchildren: Henry Long, Dylan Long, and Savannah Kern.

Private interment will be at Bath County Memorial Gardens with Pastor Jeff Fannin officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to scholarship funds for Appalachian students at Morehead State University and Berea College.

Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351 is caring for arrangements.

View memorial tribute and sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com