Jo Ann King, age 81, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, surrounded by her family. She was born on September 1, 1941, in Ripley, TN to Joe and Nadine Coats and was the second of five children. She was a 1959 graduate of Ripley High School and shortly after moved to Memphis to start a career as a phlebotomist. While in Memphis, she met and fell in love with George King from Selmer, TN with whom she had three children. She enjoyed a fulfilling career in Radiology at Methodist Central (University) for 42 years and discovered that caring for others was one of her life’s callings.
Jo Ann was a talented painter, often gifting pieces of original art for life’s special moments or just to brighten someone’s day. She held her first art show in 2019, to the delight of many. She was a woodworker, seamstress, baker, and crochet artist. She was truly a Renaissance woman who even insisted on changing the oil in her own car.
Above all, Jo Ann’s greatest passion was for her family and God. She was an active member of First Baptist Church of Horn Lake for over forty years and was always active in her Sunday School class. She blessed the church by spending countless hours in the kitchen making meals for the congregation. With three children, ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, it was always a busy life, and she enjoyed every moment they had together over the years. She was a nurturer, a caregiver and a strong Christian woman who loved her family unconditionally and she will be greatly missed.
Jo Ann joins her husband George, her father, Joe, her mother, Nadine and siblings Morris “Butch” Coats and Shirley McMahon. She is survived by her three children Connie (Greg), Phylis (Jerry), and Steven; her grandchildren Brittany (Bart), Tiffany (Jayce), Tristan, Emily, Meagan (Blair), Christina, Jessica (Jennifer), Kendahl, Darby, and Jolie. Seven great-grandchildren Piper, Baron, Colin, Christopher, Daisy, Mason, Asher, and one on the way. She is also survived by two siblings, Brenda, and Joey (Vicki).
A visitation will be held Saturday, August 19 from 11:00 -1:00 with celebration of life service beginning at 1:00pm, graveside service immediately following at Twin Oaks Memorial Garden and Funeral Home at 290 Goodman Rd E, Southaven, MS 38671.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Wesley Meadows Green House for Memory Care, of which she was a resident. Donations can be made in Jo Ann’s precious memory (1325 McIngvale Rd, Hernando, MS 38632)
Condolences(2)-
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Chris McMahon says
August 19, 2023 at 4:47 amTo Connie, Phylis and Steve,
Your mom was a special lady, whom I will miss. She was always kind, and pleasant to be around. A special lady who is now with Christ for eternity.
I am old enough to remember when Connie was born and all of us (in my family) came over to your mom and Dad’s new home in Memphis to see the new member of the family, baby sister Connie. Later on another daughter, Phylis came, and then a few years later the first “non McMahon” boy, Steve came. Always a happy bunch with a happy Mom and dad!
I am going to miss my Aunt, but know we will all see her, along with your Dad, again soon.
Love from you from your cousin,
Chris
Sissy Allmon says
August 17, 2023 at 8:39 pmMs. King was always so kind to the other ladies at Wesley Meadows. She comforted them when they were lonely or afraid. I enjoyed getting to know her while my mom was at Wesley Meadows. She had a good sense of humor and I enjoyed her immensely. While our family surrounded mom during her last days, her precious family loved and encouraged us also. Her purpose was finished here but she passed on her gifts of friendship to her girls.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Wesley Meadows Green House for Memory Care, of which she was a resident. Donations can be made in Jo Ann’s precious memory (1325 McIngvale Rd, Hernando, MS 38632)