Helen Jo Satterwhite

Helen Jo Satterwhite was born in western Oklahoma on a dry land farm to Mary Ethel McQuigg Satterwhite and Alvis Lowell Satterwhite. She is preceded in death by her parents, and her only brother, Charles Lowell, in 2002. She is survived by his wife, Eva Bouton Satterwhite; nephews Larry, Matt, Kent and families; and numerous McQuigg and Satterwhite cousins. She is also survived by sons, Kurt, Scott, and his wife, Kathy, and their children, Shannon, Justin, and Breann Pogh. A graduate of Northwestern State University majoring in Elementary Education and English, and a Masters in Education from Oklahoma University, her career in education spanned 30 ½ years teaching first grade. Twenty six of those years were at Matheson Park Elementary in Albuquerque. Marked by her years on a Depression-era isolated farm, a strong work ethic was firmly ingrained in her by her upbringing and her parents. Retirement years were spent serving in volunteer and service organizations including Central United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Asbury Sunday School Class, The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International (an honorary teacher’s organization), Kiwanis of Sandia, American Association of University Women, and several years with Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau. She served as state president of Theta State Delta Kappa Gamma Society 1983-1985, as well as Theta State Editor for many years. Helen Jo was informed and passionate about many social and humanitarian issues, with a focus on accessible education for all and women’s equality worldwide. In her free time, she was a voracious reader, an accomplished world traveler, and enjoyed caring for her plants. She had a deep love of children, and took great joy and pride in her sons and grandchildren. She was often a pillar of support to those around her, and in her own struggles she trusted in her unwavering faith to get her through any hardships. She often put the needs of others before her own, finding joy and contentment in giving to others. Cremation has taken place, and a memorial service will be held Friday, May 23, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. at Central United Methodist Church, 201 University Blvd. NE, followed by a reception at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to CUMC, or to a charity of your choice.

Helen Jo Satterwhite

October 24, 1931 - May 9, 2014