Jo Ann (West) Thomas of Mexico, 74, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, December 30, 2023, at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia.
Funeral Services will be at 12 p.m. on Saturday, January 13, at the Second Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. T.L. Garner, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery.
An Omega Service will be at 10 a.m. at Second Missionary Baptist Church with visitation following until time of services at the church.
Repast will be at the Family Life Center at Second Missionary Baptist Church.
Born on September 11, 1949 in Moberly, to Raymond and Anna Joyce (Williams) West, she was a devoted daughter, wife and proud mother. On December 20, 1974 she married Garnett (JR) Gilbert Thomas, Jr., and to this union one daughter, Jocelyn Rae Ann Thomas was born.
Jo Ann accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Second Missionary Baptist Church. She served in numerous ministries including Usher, Sunday School Teacher, Administrative Assistant to the Pastor, Church Secretary and Finance Ministry. She loved the Lord and served wherever called.
Jo Ann graduated from Lincoln University in 1971 with a B.S. in Business Education and returned to Lincoln to receive her Master’s in Guidance and Counseling in 1974.
Jo Ann was employed by the Mexico Public School System for over 30 years. She had a passion for teaching and taught for over 30 years. During her tenure she wore many hats – teacher, guidance counselor, tutor, cheer coach, track coach to name a few. She especially enjoyed tutoring anyone in need. At the time of her retirement she was a guidance counselor. There are very few adults and young adults that went through the Mexico Public School system in the last 40 years that were not positively impacted by her nurturing spirit.
Jo Ann had an unbreakable bond with her “Crew Sisters” that began in 1967 when they entered college. She was also an active member of her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Jefferson City Alumnae Chapter, most recently serving as Chaplain.
She was very civic and community minded, serving on the Audrain County Disability Board, Audrain Center Board, SSM Audrain Hospital Board to name a few and wherever else she was needed. She had a heart of service.
After retirement she absolutely loved spending time with family and being a great host, cooking wonderful meals, and spending time with her fellow retired teacher lunch buddies. She also was an avid reader and would stay up until the early morning to finish a good book.
In addition to her only daughter, Jocelyn Rae Ann Thomas, Jo Ann leaves to cherish her memory two sisters, Roseland (Gail) Terry, Kansas City, and Brenda Ferguson, Tracy, Mo.; brother-in-law Leonard (Marilyn) Thomas, Columbia; sister-in-law Phyllis Gentry, Kansas City; special cousin, Andrew Hinch, Joliet, Ill. and numerous nieces, nephews, family, friends, Sorors and her College “Crew Sisters”.
Preceded in death by parents Raymond and Anna Joyce West and husband, “JR” Thomas.
Arnold Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldfh.com
