Jo Ann Williams

Jo Ann Williams, age 79, a native of Modesto, California & current resident of Houma, Louisiana passed away surrounded by her loving family, on February 9, 2018. Jo Ann is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and a memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Hwy. 311 in Houma on Thursday, February 15, 2018 beginning at 10:00 am.  Jo Ann will be laid to rest in her native city of Modesto, California at Acacia cemetery at a later date.  Jo Ann was endowed in the Oakland temple, where she was sealed to her family for time and all eternity. She is survived by her daughter Suzanne Garrett; daughter, Kerrie Redmond and husband Reggie; and her son, Mike Vrh.  JoAnn is also survived by her grandchildren including:  Mary Garrett; Megan, Ian, and Christopher Redmond;  Lily and Camellia Vrh; as well as her two great-grandchildren Henry and Elizabeth Jackson.  She was preceded in death by her mother Mildred Jorgensen and her step-father Pete Jorgensen; her daughter, Wendy Williams; and her son, Anthony Vrh. Jo Ann was born on September 29, 1938 in Turlock, California. Jo Ann was raised in South Dakota, where she learned to be a strong, independent and hard working woman.  Jo Ann returned to California as a young woman, where she would marry and raise her family.  She worked for many years as an office manager and book keeper for Rettig Brothers Inc.  After retirement, she moved to the South to be closer to her children and grandchildren in Louisiana and North Carolina.  Jo Ann’s need to stay busy would lead to a short retirement, and soon after moving to Houma, Louisiana, she began working for Terrebonne General Medical Center in the Woman’s Health Center, for the last ten years.  Jo Ann was loved by many and always willing to be a listening ear.  She shared her incredible life stories and journey, helping others to work through their own challenges. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she held many special callings of service over the years.  She had a great knowledge of the Gospel and always brought a special spirit to the lessons she taught to members of her congregation.  If there was anything lovely and beautiful, she sought after it.  She was an amazing artist, gardener and had talent for anything that involved creativity, including knitting, embroidery and scrapbooking.  She was knowledgeable and intellectual, as well, enjoying her many adventures of travel to other countries such as Egypt, England, France and Scotland. Jo Ann loved laughing and spending time with family, friends, and her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Jo Ann’s beautiful eyes were always bright, even up to the end of her journey; and her timeless smile could light up the spirit of all those who had the privilege of meeting it.  In lieu of Flowers please consider donating to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. The family would like to thank Dr. Russell Henry for his kind and compassionate care; and the sensitive staff from Haydel Memorial Hospice for their attentive care and empathy towards Jo Ann and her family.  Jo Ann’s family would also like to express their never-ending gratitude for the love, prayers, food and service of all their friends and family.  Chauvin Funeral Home is honored to serve Jo Ann and her family.