Jo Ann Harper Jones was born on September 25, 1947, to Winston and Bessie Mae Harper. A petite, dark-haired girl with hazel eyes and a bright spirit, she grew up in Herbert, Alabama, right off Highway 84 near Evergreen.

She was a proud member of the Evergreen High School Class of 1966 and later attended Troy University, where she earned her degree in education. While at college, she met the love of her life, Thomas (Tom) Paul Jones of Greenville, Alabama. The two became college sweethearts and were married on December 22, 1968. Together, they built a beautiful life and welcomed two sons, Michael (Mickey) Thomas Jones and Matthew Winston Jones.

Jo Ann's love of reading and the written word led her to a lifelong career in education. She began teaching at Repton High School in 1976, later joined McKenzie High School, and retired from R. L. Austin Elementary in 1998 after more than 25 years as an English teacher.

In time, she welcomed two daughters-in-law, both named Jessica. She often laughed that she "had two to contend with," but she loved them dearly and always said they were "pretty awesome."

After retirement, Jo Ann received the title she cherished most, Nana Jo. Although she enjoyed writing and covering local stories for The Conecuh Countian, nothing compared to the joy her grandchildren brought into her life. When Ashley came along, the fun officially began, and soon Kaegun, Lexie, Ty, and Cole followed. She did not just love her grandkids; she spoiled them. Her house overflowed with comfort food, hugs, cars and trucks, dolls, and Christmas presents galore. The word "no" was rarely heard, especially when it came to her famous chicken and dumplins.

Known for her kindness, warmth, and incredible cooking, Jo Ann was also active in the Red Hat Society and the Evergreen Flower Club, enjoying time with her many dear friends.

She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 57 years, Tom Jones; her sons, Mickey Jones and wife Jessica, and Matthew Jones and wife Jessica; and her cherished grandchildren, Ashley Jones Kimberly and husband Aaron, Kaegun Jones and wife Abby, Lexie Jones, Ty Jones, and Cole Jones. She was blessed with one great-grandson, River Kimberly, and anxiously awaited the arrival of her two great-grands, Ella Kate Kimberly and John Morgan Jones.

A devoted member of Sepulga Baptist Church, Jo Ann passed away peacefully on November 15, 2025, and now rests in the arms of her Savior. Her life will be celebrated at Johnson Funeral Home in Georgiana, Alabama, on Tuesday, November 18th, with visitation beginning at 1:30 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 3:00 p.m. Graveside services will be held at Herbert Cemetery, near her home at 124 County Road 63.

Evergreen, Alabama. Paulbearers will be Kaegun Jones, Ty Jones, Cole Jones, Aaron Kimberly, Hunter Pierce, Randal Brown and honorary pallbearers Hillary Harper, Benton Harper Jr., and Billy Richards.

Her family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the love, prayers, and support shown during this time. A special thank you is extended to Dr. John Reardon and the Montgomery Cancer Center; Southern Care Hospice of Evergreen, Alabama; nurse practitioner and family friend Yolanda Beverly; lifelong friend Barbara Gantt; and Tatum Taylor, who helped care for Nana Jo through the hardest of times. Although she will be deeply missed, her laughter, love, and legacy will live on in all who knew her. You may wish to donate in her behalf to the Cancer Wellness Foundation of Montgomery, AL.