Dr. Jo Ann Crimm

Dr. Jo Ann Crimm, 79, of Ocean Springs, MS, a beacon of grace and wisdom, passed away peacefully at her home in Ocean Springs on August 23, 2024.

 Born on August 1, 1945, to Madison "Matt" and Annette Cox, Jo Ann's early years in Ocean Springs shaped the vibrancy and fullness of her life with her deep familial roots and appreciation of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Jo Ann was a twelve-year student in the Ocean Springs School District and graduated third in her class from Ocean Springs High School. While at OSHS, she maintained an excellent academic career, as well as numerous leadership roles. She was Student Council President, homecoming court representative, a cheerleader, and editor of the yearbook.

 She met the love of her life at OSHS. After graduating from Business College, they were married on April 25, 1964. After a year in Ocean Springs, they moved to Forest, then Greenwood, Mississippi before making Marietta, Georgia their home for the next 50 years. A dedicated, life-long learner, she earned degrees at Georgia State University, University of West Georgia, and ultimately her doctoral degree in education from the University of Georgia. She was an extraordinarily accomplished educator, having taught students aged from kindergarten through college. Throughout her educational career, she was selected as Teacher of the Year and honored with the Superintendent's award. She held the distinction of being a National Staff Development Trainer. The manipulative-based math curriculum she developed for Marietta City Schools was adopted statewide and nationally. During this time, she remained active in her community as a member of Cobb Marietta Junior League, Cobb Friendship Club, Leadership Cobb, Cobb Honorary Commanders, and Kiwanis.

 Jo Ann retired from Marietta City Schools in 2006 after a distinguished career as Director of Staff Development and Federal Programs. In her retirement, she continued to be a worldly traveler, avid reader, and lifelong learner. Over her lifetime, Jo Ann traveled through 52 countries and documented all of her experiences in detailed travel journals. She was passionate about reading, dedicating time to the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO), and tending to her garden. Jo Ann was an artist and expressed her creativity through intricate sewing projects, handmade jewelry, interior design, and culinary creations. A devoted member of First Baptist Church of Marietta, Jo Ann was a biblical scholar, spending hours preparing her Sunday School lessons each week. Her strong faith was evident in everything she did. Jo Ann and Harlon returned to her beloved hometown of Ocean Springs in 2018. They joined First Baptist Church of Ocean Springs where she continued her love of Bible study and enjoyed the fellowship of other members. 

Jo Ann is lovingly remembered by her husband of 60 years, Harlon; their two children, Jeff Crimm (Kristi), grandchildren Madison, Hannah, and Will, and Ashley Pruitt (Jason), grandchildren Camden, Caitlin, Elijah, Jordan, and Jackson; her two siblings, Dean Cox & Gay Crosby (Mickey), and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jo Ann’s honor to Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) Chapter D in Biloxi, MS, by check to Bobbie Hatfield (9452 Carriagewood Dr., Gulfport, MS 39503).

 There will be a graveside service at Biloxi National Cemetery on Thursday, August 29th at 10 a.m. and a celebration of life at First Baptist Church Marietta on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at 2 p.m. with visitation at 1 p.m. 

Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Dr. Jo Ann Crimm.