Dr. Jo Anne Juncker passed away on Monday, November 21, 2022. Her family thanks Angela, Ignatia and Esther from Advanced Services for their kindness in her care. Parkinson's challenged Jo's final years, but she remained kind, caring and laughing throughout these difficulties.

Jo was born in Wilmington, North Carolina, in 1945 to Joan Rawson Fulton and Blair Fishburn Fulton. The family moved to Roanoke, Virginia, where Jo grew up with three siblings: Blair, Donna and Sophia. Jo attended Converse College, studying piano, and then transferred to George Washington University where she changed majors to Early Childhood Education. Upon completing her Bachelor's and Master's degrees, Jo moved to New York City and pursued a PhD at New York University. As part of her studies, Jo was part of a team starting a childcare center in Brooklyn, New York, through Headstart funding. Through this experience, Jo became an advocate for the cause of urban early childhood education -- with a focus on underserved communities.

Jo married George Juncker, a graduate student in Economics at NYU,  in 1974. They moved to South Orange, New Jersey in 1975 just as Kris Juncker was born. Rob Juncker was born in 1976, and Betty Juncker (now Hagymasi) was born in 1981. Jo defended her dissertation only days before Rob was born. Jo taught at Kean College and then was asked by Jersey City State College to found an Early Childhood Center. The Children's Learning Center remains an important part of the institution today offering affordable childcare options for students and faculty. Back in the 1980s and 90s, Jo kept the facility open for longer hours in order to make sure that students attended their classes.

Slowly, Jo's advocacy for early childhood education led to her teaching. Eventually, the college recruited her to teach full time-- with a 4:4 courseload and night classes. She became part of the Education department leadership.  As she led the Education group, she also was a chair of the team seeking accreditation for Jersey City State to become a University. The Education Master's degree teaching staff were instrumental for this recognition, and as a University, NJCU was able to expand its graduate offerings and receive further state support.

Jo retired in the early 2010s, but she continued to follow developments in Education. She took a great deal of pride that younger generations of teachers and students were active in creating inclusive education environments. Jo is survived by; her siblings, brother, Blair Fulton, her sister, Donna McKay, and her sister Sophia Beasley; Jo's children, Kris Juncker, Rob Juncker and Betty Hagymasi; their spouses, Dan Shub, Justine Juncker, and Seth Hagymasi; and seven grandchildren: Sam Shub, Will Juncker, Jack Juncker, Zoe Juncker, Henrik Launert, Molly Hagymasi and Tommy Hagymasi.

If you would like to make a contribution to a cause close to Jo Anne's heart, please consider supporting Parkinson's research or the NJCU Children's Learning Center (write Donation en lieu of a child's name) : https://www.njcu.edu/student-life/campus-services-resources/childrens-learning-center/childrens-learning-center-tuition-and-fees/make-payment  

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