Joan "Jo" Franklin Phibbs

Joan Franklin Phibbs (Jo), widow of the late Charles R. Phibbs, passed away on April 18, 2026, at 92 years of age.

Born and reared in Newberry, SC, she was the daughter of the late William H. and Josie B. Franklin.

Jo was valedictorian of her class at Newberry High School, and a business graduate of Newberry College. She also served as the first female state president of the Future Business Leaders of America. She was organist and choir director at Beth Eden Lutheran Church in Newberry.

Jo was the retired administrator of the Gregg-Graniteville Foundation and a member emeritus of its Board of Directors, having served for 26 years.

A dedicated member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, she actively served in various ministries of the church.

She was a past member and officer of the Aiken Cotillion Club and a former member of Suburban Garden Club. She enjoyed playing bridge and spending time at her Edisto Beach home.

Jo is survived by two sons, Charles Robert Phibbs, Jr. (LaVerne), and William Benjamin Phibbs (Amy); four grandsons, Charles Robert Phibbs III (Brooke), Harrison Walker Phibbs (Caitlin), Wesley Tolbert Phibbs (Haley), and Zachary Robert Sims (Megan); and 8 great grandchildren, Ingram Phibbs, Ellison Phibbs, Cayden Phibbs, Collins Phibbs, Connor Phibbs, Ronan Phibbs, Walker Phibbs, and Ella Sims.

Jo was preceded in death by two sisters, Maggie Davis and Ida Hawkins, two brothers, William Franklin and Gus Franklin, and two nephews Andrew Hawkins and Bill Franklin. all of Newberry.

Funeral services will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM, with the Reverend Jeff Erbskorn officiating.

Pallbearers will be George Franklin, Dan Willis, Todd Hass, Tom Kierspe, and Noel Chapman.

Honorary pallbearers will be special friends.

The family will receive friends one hour before the service in the fellowship hall at St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Burial will be at Bethany Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 961 Trail Ridge Rd., Aiken, SC 29803.

SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC