Tribute to Women: Jo Helen Murphy
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photo by shane darby.
“Slowly, one step at a time, I began to see myself as a professional homemaker, doing the thing I loved most in the world—teaching...”
Jo Murphy founded the Texarkana Regional Alliance of Christian Educators (TRACE) in 2021, when she realized that she was not equipped to educate all six of her children by herself.
“I still wanted the prime time with my kids, but it became clear that I couldn’t be the master of every K-12 subject,” she said. “I reached out to some friends to see if they would like to pitch in to hire a few professionals to tutor our kids weekly. After the first year, I realized that we could do the same thing with more classes.” Over the next four years, TRACE expanded to “nearly 100 students, 28 classes, and a teacher roll that I am extremely proud of,” she said.
Jo, who describes herself as a home educator, grew up dreaming of being a classroom teacher. However, in her early 20s, an unplanned pregnancy changed her plans.
“[Eldest child] Josh was a surprise right out of college,” she said. “I desperately wanted to stay home with him, yet at the time, I really felt like I was betraying the women who had invested in me; my mom and my stepmom both worked. I wanted to be home with my son, and I wanted a career.”
Over time, Jo’s ideas about vocation and purpose shifted. “I began to understand the role that I could have in my community via staying home,” she said. “I began to be impacted by other women in the community who thrived at home. Slowly, one step at a time, I began to see myself as a professional homemaker, doing the thing I loved most in the world—teaching—with the people I loved best in the world.”
In 2013, the Murphy family opened their home to foster placements, and in 2016, they adopted two children from foster care. “It broke—and continues to break—my heart that we live in a world where not all families have the tools to keep children safe,” she said. “If I could, I would choose that my kids never knew the loss that they experienced. And yet, I am honored and lucky that they call me ‘Mom.’”
Jo came to Texarkana by way of her husband, Brian, who was born and raised here. submitted photo.
Along with her husband, Brian, and their children, Jo lives in the Historic District. She especially loves Halloween in her neighborhood. “My very favorite way to engage with the community is probably our neighborhood trick-or-treating event,” she shared. “We see at least a thousand trick-or-treaters come through every year. I love the excitement. The neighbors across the street will play Disney Halloween music. Someone always has a fog machine, and my kids get excited about counting all of the skeletons. I love to invite friends and family over to help put on a big shindig. We love to go all-out with cotton candy, carnival games, and, of course, tons of candy.”
Year-round, Jo enjoys the comforts of her house and community. “I love to make my home and yard beautiful,” she said. “I also love reading, visiting with neighbors, making delicious soups, and watching 20th-century television. A guilty pleasure is playing a random video game that my kids have begged me to try, only to find out I really love it and play just for me. Most recently, they have introduced me to ‘Animal Crossing.’ Brian asked if it was just computerized paper dolls. In fact, it is—and I love paper dolls.”
FSLM ASKED JO:
What’s something most people don’t know about you? I never know how to answer people when they ask where I’m from. My parents divorced when I was 7 and had joint custody. Every year, I switched who I lived with. Nearly every year, there was some new job, new spouse, new retirement, new something that found me in a new neighborhood and a new school.
What’s your favorite local place to spend time? Anywhere downtown. Specifically, I love The Stained Page. Their coffee is custom blended, and they have a dark-cyan velvet couch that makes my heart very happy.
Name a woman you admire. Vicki Hornok.
HOW DEBI COLEMAN SEES JO:
“Jo Helen Murphy occupies many roles. She is a wife, homeschooler, mother of six, director of a homeschool network, teacher, devotional leader in church, and writer. As I watch her excel at all these responsibilities with seeming ease, I am amazed by her talents and patience. She teaches five grade levels from fourth to 11th, keeping her students engaged while balancing a wide variety of levels and topics. As a director and teacher of TRACE, she administers the formal running of the school; interacts with students, parents, and teachers alike during the two school days it is opened; and even cleans up after the day. Her energy seems endless. Whenever called upon at church, either to help in the children’s program or deliver a Bible lesson, Jo accepts the challenge with a smile. Her love is writing, and I am sure that, as often as she is able, she is moving the pen across the paper in words of wisdom. She has even written for some Texarkana publications. The iteration of these activities does keep her busy, but it is not the busyness that impresses me. She goes through her life with grace, concern, and intention. Whatever she is doing, she is engaging with people, pouring into them with the love of Christ that flows uninhibited from her soul.”