Mother Jo Ann Blackwell

Mother Jo Ann Blackwell

On September 14, 1941, Jo Ann was born to the late Therman and Clora B. Simpson in Rosston, Arkansas. Jo Ann was the 4th of 7 children, and she wore her middle child status with pride.  Jo Ann graduated from Oak Grove High School where she enjoyed playing basketball and hanging out with her best friend Laureen Jenkins.

​After graduation, she moved to California, met, and married Willard Blackwell in San Jose, California.  She raised three children, David Charles, Sandra, and Cherri LaRue.

​Jo Ann loved God and was a faithful member of the Saint James A.M.E. Methodist church in San Jose, California and served under the late Edgar Middleton, her uncle.  Jo Ann served there until the 1970’s when she was invited by her sister-in-law the late Missionary Shirley (Blackwell)  Rigmaiden to Consecration Church of God in Christ, in Menlo Park, California.  She accepted the Lord as her personal Savior and dedicated her life to His service. She became a member and served on the Hospitality Board. Her passion was helping others, always spreading joy with her wonderful personality, smile, and the best hugs ever!!! Jo Ann continued to serve in hospitality when she moved her membership to Macedonia Church of God in Christ in San Mateo, California under the late Pastor Elder Alvin L. Swindell.  Jo Ann loved her pastor and wife especially during the appreciation season. Jo Ann and her best friend Mo. Jessie Nelson utilized their decorating skills and would transform the cafeteria area into something almost magical.  

​Jo Ann relocated to Georgia with her daughter Sandra and her family in 2006. Her health slowly declined, and she moved to a lovely, assisted living facility. She lived in Roswell Nursing & Rehabilitation and Chestnut Ridge Nursing & Rehabilitation. These moves did not slow her down; she continued with joy and laughter and her famous sense of humor. She loved her Chestnut Ridge family, especially Mr. Tim who affectionately called her Ho Ho!!!  She loved her nickname. Jo Ann was always close enough to Sandra that she would visit often. Saturdays were their special day where they would spend time talking, laughing, and enjoying a good mealtogether.

.Her joyous personality got her recognized by staff which recommended her to run for the annual Pageant Queen for Chestnut Ridge - She won! Jo Ann took the win to the next level and ran for Ms. Georgia Health Care. Her personality shined so brightly that she won again for the entire state of Georgia where she was recognized by the media. She wore her crown proudly. 

Jo Ann was preceded in death by her parents Therman and Clora B Simpson, husband, Willard Blackwell, daughter, Cherri LaRue Blackwell-Smith, six siblings: Danny B, Mary Frances, Mae Altha, James Ellis, Alvin Paul, and Elaine (Simpson) Alcorn. Jo Ann Blackwell transitioned peacefully on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, in Cumming, Georgia after living a full blessed life with her family and friends. Jo Ann leaves to cherish her memory, son, David Charles Blackwell, Sr., of Redding, CA, Daughter, Sandra Blackwell-Simpkins (Vernon), Cumming, GA. Sister-in-law, Wanda Simpson, Little Rock, AR, one brother-in-law, Nathaniel Alcorn, Knoxville, TN. Ten grandchildren: Sahr Moiwa, San Jose, CA, Leslie Nicole Blackwell, Santa Clarita, CA, David Charles Blackwell, II, Salt Lake City, Utah, Lindsay Marie Blackwell, Wake Forest, North Carolina, Donovan Eldred, Charice LaRue, Denzel William Smith, Dretel Deshaun Gatlin, San Jose, CA, Daylan Stephon, Jailyn Shontae Simpkins, Cumming, GA. Twelve and half great grandchildren, David Charles, III, Taija, Christina, LaiLana, Desmond, Lily, Patience, Passion, Jerimiah, Walter, IV, William, Cherri, baby girl Hughes. A host of nieces and nephews, cousins, church family, Chestnut Ridge family, and many friends.