Jo Ann Lock Bragg

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; so that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him forever and ever in the next. Amen". 

JoAnn Lock Bragg entered this earthly life on August 21, 1954, born to the late Warren G. Lock and Geral Lean Moore. She graduated from Malvern High School in 1972, where she was a proud member of the school’s pep squad. Mrs. Bragg developed a love for cooking at the young age of nine, a passion she carried with her throughout her life.

Mrs. Bragg was known for being outspoken, she said what she meant and meant what she said. She had a feisty and stern side, but beneath it all was a deep and unwavering love for her family. From a young age, she helped raise her siblings, and that same devotion continued throughout her adult life. She enjoyed sewing, reading, gardening, watching old-fashioned Christmas movies and westerns, and spending time watching the Food Network. Jo Ann was blessed with a green thumb. She could bring practically any plant back to life and all her plants thrived.

On August 26, 1972, she was united in holy matrimony to her loving husband, James “JB” Bragg. Their union lasted 53 beautiful years, until his passing in 2024. Mrs. Bragg was a devoted mother to her daughter, Kena “Tootie,” and her granddaughter, Sydney. She lovingly helped care for many other “bonus” children throughout the years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James “JB” Bragg; her sister, Shelly “Tassy” Sharon Lock; and her brother, Reginald Lynn Lock.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories her daughter, Kena “Tootie” Williams; her beloved granddaughter, Sidney Williams both of Malvern; four brothers: Elder Larry (Alveria) Lock of Las Vegas, Nevada, Victor (Angela) Lock of Houston, Texas, Jerry Lock of Hot Springs, and Kevin Carl (Rhonda) Lock of Malvern; three sisters: Carolyn (Johnny) Lewis of Houston, Texas, Dianna (Anthony) Reggans, and Cindy-Kay (Ronald) Jones both of Malvern; her brother-in-law, Robert Bragg Sr. of Malvern; and two sisters-in-law, Linda Lock and Elouise Moore both of Little Rock, along with a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who will forever treasure her memory.

Her Homegoing Celebration will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Greater New Hope Baptist Church in Malvern. A visitation for family and friends will take place from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026, also at the church.

Mrs. Bragg will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, James, at Perla Cemetery in Malvern. Following the committal, a repast will be held at the church, where family and friends are invited to gather in fellowship and remembrance. Her online guestbook is available below for those wishing to share words of comfort and condolences. Brandon's Mortuary is honored to be entrusted with professional care.