June 1977 - November 2025

Jo-Carolyn Goode

Loving daughter, devoted writer, effective manager, pageant enthusiast, mentor, and community advocate, Jo-Carolyn Goode was a beloved and treasured member of the Houston Style Magazine family. Her warmth, dedication, faith, and commitment to others touched countless lives and left an enduring mark on the publication and the community she proudly served.

A native of Houston, Texas, Jo-Carolyn was grounded in the values instilled by her parents and strengthened by her faith in God. She was a graduate of Prairie View A&M University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Biology, along with minors in Chemistry and Dance.

Jo-Carolyn began her professional journey with Houston Style Magazine as an editorial intern and, through her dedication, strong work ethic, and commitment to excellence, rose through the ranks to become Managing Editor. Throughout her years with the publication, she brought passion and purpose to her work, telling stories that reflected the people, personalities, and issues that mattered to the community.

From everyday Houstonians to celebrities, elected officials, and influential leaders, Jo-Carolyn had a gift for connecting with people and bringing their stories to readers. As Managing Editor, she helped oversee a talented team of writers and photographers while playing an integral role in producing Houston Style Magazine's weekly print publication, which reached readers locally, regionally, and nationally. She also helped expand the publication's presence online and across social media, engaging readers through compelling and timely content.

Her communication talents extended beyond print and digital media. Jo-Carolyn also served as a producer for *It's National Day*, a popular YouTube program hosted by media personality TotallyRandie that celebrated the many national days observed around the world.

One of Jo-Carolyn's greatest passions was mentoring and empowering young girls and women. As National Assistant Director of the Miss Black America Coed Pageant, she worked with girls as young as five, helping them develop confidence and character through modeling, interviewing, leadership, and community service. She also volunteered with the Miss Texas USA and Miss Texas Teen USA pageant systems, working with young women beginning at age 14.

Her commitment to young people extended into Girl Scouts, where she served as a leader for one of the oldest African American Girl Scout troops in the Houston area. Through each of these roles, Jo-Carolyn encouraged young women to recognize their worth, develop their talents, serve their communities, and grow into confident and accomplished individuals.

Service was woven into every aspect of Jo-Carolyn's life. She was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter, where she served as chapter historian. She also served on the Board of Directors for the Ivy Educational and Charitable Foundation of Houston, Incorporated, and on the Advisory Board for the Beatrice Mayes Institute.

For the Houston Style Magazine family, Jo-Carolyn was more than a colleague. She was a trusted friend, a dedicated leader, a mentor, and an important part of the publication's history and legacy. Her love for journalism, her commitment to young people, her devotion to community, and the relationships she built throughout her life remain a lasting part of who she was.

Jo-Carolyn Goode's legacy lives on through the many people she encouraged, the young women she mentored, the stories she told, and the community she served with love and purpose.