Johnie Frances Poore Jaco, affectionately known as 'Miss Johnie', "Nana', 'Grandmummers', and 'Tony', died peacefully at home in Benham, Kentucky, on April 30th, 2026, of complications related to glioblastoma.

Johnie was born on May 28th, 1937, in Benham, Kentucky, the beloved only child to George and Mary Ada (Blalock) Poore. A dedicated member of the Future Nurses Club and the debate team, she attended Benham High School, where she met the love of her life—captain of the football team, Phillip Jaco-- and graduated as valedictorian of the 1955 class. She briefly attended Lincoln Memorial University as a premed student before electing to pause her academic studies. Johnie and Phil were married on August 4th, 1956. Johnie supported her husband during his time in engineering school by working as a medical technician for the Benham Hospital. They eventually moved to Huntsville, Alabama, where Johnie would raise their three children, Tim, Sean, and Jamie.

Johnie returned to her academic career and earned her ADN from Calhoun, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1982. She spent the next decade working for the oncology unit at Huntsville Hospital and the North Alabama Home Health Agency and was widely admired as a nurse for her devotion, service, and compassion. She retired from nursing early to care for her husband Phil through his terminal lung cancer until his passing in 1994, then chose to work as a private home caregiver in 1996. From 2007 until her final retirement in 2023, Johnie worked as a nurse and eventual nursing supervisor for the ARC of Madison County, helping to ensure the safety and well-being of many adults with mental and physical disabilities.

Johnie was active in medical mission work through Mayfair Church of Christ in Huntsville. She spent countless hours either prepping for trips or actually taking them, for many years concentrating on southern Belize in Central America.

In addition to her many years of nursing and mission work, Johnie was a ravenous book-reader and a talented writer, winning several local poetry and creative writing contests. She took up oil painting after the death of her son Tim, filling her family's home with beautiful works of art. Johnie also enjoyed fishing, swimming, camping, hiking, and cheering on the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Kentucky Wildcats. In her twilight years, she especially loved playing card games and dominoes, a passion she gave to her two beloved grandchildren, Shelby and Caleb. She was a fantastic cook, a wonderful host, and a generous neighbor, whose appreciation for her community, unwavering spirit, and good sense of humor were widely noted.

Johnie is greeted in Heaven by her parents, George and Mary Ada Poore; her husband, Phillip Jaco; and her eldest son Tim.

She is survived by her son Sean Jaco and his wife Vanessa, her daughter Jamie Jaco, honorary daughter Lucille Chartier (formerly Jaco); granddaughter Shelby Jaco Bronson and her husband Hal; grandson Caleb Jaco, his fiancée McKensi and cousins Carmen "Pug" Cox, May "Stinky" Yaden, Jeri McLaughlin, Melissa Starman, Linda Sparks and Marla Lane. Johnie leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and strength that will continue to guide and inspire the Jaco family for generations to come. Her family and friends miss her dearly but find comfort in knowing that her story continues in the thousands of lives that she touched and the lessons she passed on to those who love her.

Arrangements will be announced at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camp Ascca, at www.campascca.org

Bible verse/hymn: "It Is Well With my Soul"

Tri City Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Johnie Jaco.