Joann Shultz

Joann Shultz, also known as JoJo, nee Burke (65 years old) of Jacksonville, went home to be with her Lord Jesus Christ on Dec. 12, 2011, after a yearlong battle with cervical cancer. She was peacefully resting at home. She was born in Manassas, Va., to Herbert and Iva Lee Burke on May 5, 1946. Her husband, Gerald F. Shultz and her father, Herbert W. Burke, precede her in death. A great woman and good friend, Gaynell Fitch, also precedes her. May they all rest in peace with the Lord Jesus Christ.

She is survived by a daughter, Diane L. Shultz; son, Dwayne L. Shultz and his wife, Amy and grandson, Aidan D. Shultz, all of Jacksonville; her mother, Iva Lee Burke of Culpeper, Va.; an older sister, Janet Hicks and her husband, Nelson of Fredericksburg, Va.; two younger sisters Judy Gallahan and her husband, Gary of Warrenton, Va., and Jean Fuller and her husband, Kenneth of Manassas, Va.; and two younger brothers, Jerome (Jerry) Burke and his wife, Gail of Stafford, Va.; and Jeff Burke and his wife Nancy of Culpeper, Va.; six nieces and two nephews; cousins too numerous to list and good friends, Alice Byrnes, Carole Smith, Rosemary Hardin, Caroline Cogdill, Maggie Carman, Ann Sullivan, and Alta Foust.

Joann is also survived by many non-biological children that she has helped to raise through her participation in different activities such as the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of America, having served as a troop leader for both organizations and her involvement with Onslow County 4H. She also opened her home providing babysitting services for many children over the years that still call her "Mama Jo."

She was also an active member of the Onslow County Homemakers and often volunteered at the Onslow County USO serving meals to active duty service members and veterans.

She was very proud of her children's accomplishments. Diane was the first in the immediate family to graduate college while Dwayne joined the U.S. Navy and has been serving for almost 15 years. One of the joys of her life has been her grandson, Aidan, with whom she has been making memories for the last four years. During the last year of her life, her wonderful daughter-in-law, Amy, lovingly cared for her at home.

Many years ago, Joann made the decision to make an anatomical donation while her soul will be in Heaven. For that reason, the family will hold a Time of Remembrance/Open House at the home from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011. The family will be present and friends are welcomed to attend in celebration of Joann's life. Please contact Diane, Dwayne or Amy for directions to the home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Girl Scouts of America. Donations can be made by visiting the website of the local Girl Scout Council at www.nccoastalpines.org and clicking on donate.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers during this time.

Arrangements by Johnson Funeral Home of Jacksonville.