Mrs. Dorothy Jo Eblen

Dorothy Jo Eblen, 86, of Alexander City, Alabama, passed away on March 6, 2026. Born on March 3, 1940, in Marshall County to Ollie Homer Martin and Maude Ladell Glassco Martin, Jo lived a life defined by warmth, faith, and an unwavering devotion to family and community.

Known affectionately as Jojo and Mama Jo, she raised her children with selfless love, high character, and endless grace. Her deep Christian faith sustained her throughout her life and was evident in her service in the United States National Guard. A lifelong member of the Alex City Methodist Church, Jo lived her beliefs through kindness and service. She greeted every person as a friend she simply had not yet met, offering smiles and connection whether at the receptionist's desk or during chance encounters in town.

Jo found great joy in playing card games and board games with family and friends, bringing her competitive spirit, quick wit, and generous humor to every gathering. She delighted in life's simple pleasures, including her beloved mock-tails, and embraced each day with zest. Even while receiving care at Brown Nursing Home, she treated the nurses and staff as extended family, affectionately supervising them with her enduring leadership and lively spirit.

She is survived by her children, Randy (Debbie) Eblen, Laura (Danny) Forbus, and Douglas (Susan) Eblen; grandchildren, Abbi (Jacob) Underwood, Kari Eblen, Laura Eblen, Devin Forbus, Haley (Hunter) Speaks, David (Melissa) Eblen, Mark (Kimberly) Eblen, Jamie (Rebecca) Purvis, Jeffrey (Lora) Purvis, Jonathon Purvis, Natasha (Brian) Smith, and Brandon Lang; daughter-in-law, Leigh Eblen; son-in-law, Jimmy Purvis; great-grandchildren, Calvin Underwood, Willow Speaks, Christian Eblen, Avery Eblen, Hannah Eblen, Harry Eblen, Kylee Smith, Jaden Smith, McKenna Smith, and Kennedi Lang; sister-in-law, Gerry Martin; special friend, Martha (Benny) Speaks; and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 30 years, Don Eblen; children, Patricia Lang, Suzanne Purvis, and Skip Eblen; sisters, Johnnie Copeland and Bobbie Stiel; and brothers, J.T. Martin, Dolmus Martin, George "Pet" Martin, Gene Martin, and Othell Martin.