Joylyn C. "Jo" Marks

Joylyn "Jo" C. Marks, age 84, a resident of Albuquerque since 1969, died, after an extended illness, Monday, March 3, 2014 at her home surrounded by family. She is survived by her daughters, Beth Walker, Claudia Wolcott, Suzanne Marks and husband, Bobby Sanchez, and Jennifer Norlin and husband, Nik Norlin; nieces, Stephanie Crosser and Anne Crosser and husband, Danny Chiata; eight grandchildren, Christine Walker, David Walker and wife, Traci, Sean Walker and wife, Lindsay, Adam Ortega and wife, Melinda, Travis Heltne, Glen Heltne, Martin Norlin and Kaitlyn Norlin; five great-grandchildren, Aiden Shabkie, Tyler Walker, Emily Walker, Dylan Walker, and Ashton Ortega; great-niece, Ashley Nevarez; sister-in-law, Jan Crosser; her beloved poodle, Molly; and numerous other relatives and friends. Jo was preceded in death by her husband, George B. Marks in 1983; her parents, Lewis and Helen Crosser; and one brother, Jerry Crosser in December, 2013. She was born in 1930 in New Providence, IA and graduated from Eldora High School, Class of 1947. Jo attended Ellsworth Junior College in Iowa Falls. After moving to Albuquerque, Jo supported her husband in his work as a member of the Cowboy Artists of America. After his death, she went to work for Professional Seminar Consultants, where she enjoyed working with people all over the world, including visiting Russia, satisfying a lifelong desire. Jo retired as Director of Fine Arts at the New Mexico State Fair in 2000. She was enthusiastic in mentoring upcoming artists and encouraging their progress. Jo was passionate about her family, horses, Western culture, art, golf, the outdoors and her many, many friends. She loved to cruise around town in "Black Beauty" her convertible T-bird. Jo was a longtime member of Central United Methodist Church and more recently, St. Stephen's United Methodist Church. She was also a Golden-girl member of PEO Chapter AM. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Stephen's United Methodist Church, 4601 Juan Tabo Blvd NE. Interment services will take place in Iowa at a time to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org or Quakerdale at www.quakerdale.org , a nonprofit organization providing hope, faith, and growth to Iowa's youth and families. FRENCH - Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400