On February 25, 1955, Missionary Jo Ann Harris was the 7 ^th child and the last daughter to be born to the late Johnnie and Savannah James Harris in St. Augustine, Florida.

Jo Ann grew up in St. Augustine, Florida.  She attended school in St. Johns County, Florida where she excelled academically.  Jo Ann was a proud graduate of Murray High School.  After graduation, Jo Ann put her heart on being the first of her siblings to attend a Historically Black College and University.  She was proud when she was accepted and attended Bethune Cookman College where she received the distinguished honor of being a Summa Cum Laude honor graduate, with a degree in Business Administration.  Also, during that time Jo Ann became a member of the Beta Eta Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho.  After matriculating at Bethune-Cookman, Jo Ann pursued a career in Corrections.  She gave 21 years of dedicated services to the Florida Department of Corrections.  She retired after serving as a Senior Classification Officer.

Jo Ann was always willing to help others.  In the early 80's she joined the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). She volunteered, served as the lead secretary, and made many contributions to her local community by advocating for equality for all.  Her strong belief in doing what was best for others was one of the major reasons she decided to become a foster mother.  Over the next decade, Jo Ann would welcome many children including relatives into her home to care for them, love them and guide them in the right directions.  While letting them go had it challenges, she made up in her mind that if she cared for any others, they would become her own.  Which is exactly what happened.

In 1997, Jo Ann became an active member of Church of God by Faith in Palatka, Florida.  She loved the Lord unconditionally and embarked on her Christion Walk by giving unselfishly of her time and many talents.  During her tenure, she served on several committees such as:  Women's Ministry, Hospitality, Kitchen Supervisor, Outreach, Custodial Services, Finance Board, Choir Member and Sunday School Superintendent.  In addition, she served with the Palatka District Hospitality Committee,  Daughters of Zion and the Home Mission Outreach Team.

In 2019, Jo Ann relocated to Hampton, Virginia to be near her children.  Soon after arriving, she became a member of the United Family Worship Center.  During her dedicated time, she participated in various ministries.  Two of her most notable accomplishments were being a greeter and serving as an active member of the Outreach Ministry. These were two ways to that Jo Ann could express her passion and love.  Being actively involved was truly a part of her spiritual calling.  Jo Ann enjoyed making people feel welcomed and connected in the house of God.

Jo Ann opened her home frequently to family, fellow church members and community stakeholders.  She never met a stranger and would always invite people to partake in one of her delicious meals that she prepared with much love.  If Jo Ann was not serving in her community or spending time with her family, then you would find her in her kitchen.  She was instrumental in cooking and serving along with decorating for community events and supporting families in need.  She helped in making food baskets, feeding the homeless, cooking for church events and several members.  Jo Ann had such a love for people that she fed everyone that crossed her doorsteps, or she would have her daughters deliver a plate of food and cake to your door.  Jo Ann would always have a helping hand in any event that took place in church or in the community.  Jo Ann affectionally known as " The Cake Lady " had a generous spirit, infectious smile, laugh and a pleasant personality that would bring joy and peace to any room.  Jo Ann was truly loved and admired by everyone she knew.

Jo Ann departed this life on September 14, 2022.  She was preceded in eternal rest by her sister Rutha McCall Holmes and brothers Walter Tifton Thomas Harris and Jessie Lee Harris.

Jo Ann leaves to cherish her loving memory: six children, Sheria Harris, Yolanda Walden, Arthur Godfrey, Frederick Harris, Tony Hatten, and Nicole Harris; sisters, Geraldine (Herman) Robinson and Shirley Pierce; brothers, Johnnie (Kathy) Harris and Robert (Audrey) Harris; 9 grandchildren,  Marc (Jasmine) Sanders, Edward Harris, Ryan Aviles, Antonio Morgan Jr., Ar'Tajaha Godfrey, Jalisa Godfrey, Ar'Terrian Godfrey, Malani Godfrey, and Marcus Harris; 2 great granddaughters,  Marley Sanders and Miah Sanders; 3 god-children, Tatishia Daniels-Ashley, Donquarius Proctor, and La'Tina Bartle; fur babies,  Ricco AKA Snowball AKA Cock-eyed and Milo AKA Slim Shaddy; special friends, Lillie Mae Brooks "Ms. Mauree", Moses and Juanita Long, Herman and Shirley Butler; special son, Marcus "Pete" Hayes; neighbor, Gloria Carter; and a host of niece, nephews, cousins, and sorrowing friends.