Jo Ann Chaney

~Written by Family~
On Saturday, February 07, 1953, Jo Ann Mackey Chaney was born to the late Jodie and Emma Lou Mackey
in Ripley, Tennessee. The youngest of three children, she was a happy-go-lucky little girl who adored her
parents and whose parents adored her. Jo Ann, who was named after her father, Jodie, was a true daddy's
girl.
Born into a Christian home, Jo Ann professed a hope in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and was baptized
at Elam Baptist Church, located in the Durhamville-Orysa area of Ripley, Tennessee. A faithful servant
since childhood, she loved working in the church. She directed the Senior Choir for many years and served
as the church's secretary. After moving to Memphis, Tennessee, she united with Central Baptist Church,
INC.
Jo Ann was a precocious student who excelled academically. She attended Johnson Consolidated
Elementary School and Lauderdale High School in Ripley, Tennessee during the time of segregation.
However, in 1970 the school system was integrated, and she not only graduated from Ripley High School,
but she also ranked number 7 amongst her class. In 1970 when few African Americans were allowed entry,
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, awarded her a full scholarship. However, at that time she declined
their offer. After a twenty-year career at American Greetings Corporation, she returned to school and earned
Bachelor's and Master's Degrees of Education from Memphis State University. She returned to school with
a steadfast determination and earned forty-five hours above her Master's Degree. She enjoyed a twenty-
two-year career as a public-school educator. The number of young minds and hearts that she touched through
her dedication to teaching is immeasurable. She always gave her best and expected the best from her young
students. She agreed with Nelson Mandela, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to
change the world." After retirement, she continued helping students as a substitute teacher and tutoring
students, especially in mathematics.
In June of 1970, Jo Ann was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Walter Chaney, Jr. To this union, one
daughter, Krist Walette Chaney, was born. Although the marriage dissolved, Jo Ann and Walter were
devoted to raising their daughter. Jo Ann loved her daughter with every breath in her body. It was a known
fact that in whatever Krist was involved or interested, so was Jo Ann. From the many band trips to the many
piano lessons and voice lessons to Krist's present students, Jo Ann's title of MOTHER was the highlight of
her earthly journey.
Jo Ann was preceded in death by her only brother, Robert Verlon Mackey; her paternal grandparents, Jodie
and Sue Mackey; and her maternal grandparents, George and Lueller Harston.
Memories will be cherished by her loving daughter, Krist Walette Chaney; sister, Emma Jean Harston;
nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous friends.
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