Jo Luck
Dec 5th, 1941 - Nov 26th, 2025- Birth Date: Dec 5, 1941
- Death Date: Nov 26, 2025
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Biography: Jo Luck, the former President and CEO of Heifer International and a pioneering public servant in Arkansas, passed away November 26, 2025, at the age of 83. Recognized for her leadership in the global fight against hunger, her efforts saved and improved the lives of over 50 million people, leaving a legacy that will continue to impact the world for generations.
Born in Little Rock to J. Merle Lemley and Annette Luck, she attended Hendrix College and earned her BA in Education from David Lipscomb College, becoming an educator who never stopped teaching, mentoring, and inspiring others. In 1978, Jo Luck became the first executive director of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families.
In 1979, then-Governor Bill Clinton appointed her as Executive Director of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, making her among the first women to hold a cabinet-level post in the State. Over the next decade, she helped shape Arkansas’s natural and cultural heritage policies, strengthened Arkansas’s parks system, and elevated its tourism profile.
In 1989, she joined Heifer International as Director of International Programs and, three years later she became President and CEO. Under her leadership, Heifer grew from a modest nonprofit into a global organization with a budget exceeding $130 million, delivering sustainable agriculture and development programs that improved the lives of millions of families in more than 50 countries.
In 2010, Jo Luck received the World Food Prize for her contributions to global food security and her innovative, community-centered approach to development. She was inducted into the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame in 2015 in recognition of her extraordinary career, vision, and service.
Jo Luck is survived by her daughter, Beth Wilson Gray (Paul) of Russellville, Arkansas; her son, Mark Wilson (Vy) of New York City; grandchildren Jenny McElroy (Justin), Zach Gray (Jess), and Ariston Gray (Matt); and great-grandchildren Grayden and Emma.
A legacy service will be held at a later date. The family requests donations to Heifer International or to Tererai Trent International, honoring her lifelong dedication to promote women’s empowerment, leadership, dignity, social justice, global cooperation, and hope. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com
With heartfelt condolences Mark and Beth! May your heavy hearts be comforted by your memories of her and the life she lived.
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Today, as we pay tribute to this wonderful person I had the honor of meeting several times, I want to offer my condolences—both in my personal name and on behalf of my family.
May the light you carried on the hill continue to shine in the hearts of millions of families around the world.
Haiti says thank you, Jo.
My deepest condolences to you and the family, my dear friend. I am truly heartbroken to hear about your loss. Please know that you are not alone—my thoughts, prayers, and love are with you during this difficult time.
Your family has always been more than friends to me, and seeing you go through this pain weighs heavily on my heart. May God comfort you, strengthen you, and surround you with His peace that surpasses all understanding.
If you need someone to talk to, to sit with you, or simply to stand by your side, I am here—today and always.
May the beautiful memories we shared bring you comfort and may the Lord carry you through the days ahead.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Dr. Charles Kayumba
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