Jo Anne Crute

JoAnne Crute, 71, passed away unexpectedly on May 1, 2025, while surrounded by her loving family. Born February 12, 1954, she was the first-born child of the late Frances Wilkinson Crute and James 'Taughty' Crute. Raised on a tobacco farm in Nelson, Virginia, JoAnne graduated from Bluestone High School and attended Radford College before coming home to settle down. She leaves behind her husband of 41 years, Ronald Dean Easley of Chatham, and two daughters, Marion Frances Easley and Morgan Anne Easley. Mourning her greatly are her siblings: Bill Crute (Linda), Carol Carter (Dale), Betty Crute (Lyndsay Hester), and Cindy Overbey (Roger).

Family was very important to JoAnne. She could recall who was related to who and how and tell stories about them as well. Often she sought community with others, but she also made time to read books and go to the movies. JoAnne was generous and kind. She sang in the church choir. She made crafty presents for her daughters' teachers every year when they were in grade school. She loved to bust out laughing with her sisters. She sewed, crocheted, cross-stitched, and ran a chop saw to cut floor boards for her sister's porch. She would jump in and work hard wherever needed, taking responsibility seriously along with her fun. She played basketball and volleyball in high school; more recently, she and Ron enjoyed reconnecting with old friends at exercise classes at the Y. She liked word puzzles and picking tomatoes. And finally, JoAnne sure did love to throw the Christmas wrappings in the burning fireplace.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Watkins Cooper Lyon of Clarksville. The service will be at Nelson Baptist Church on May 4 at 3 pm. The family will receive visitors beginning at 2 pm before the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the American Parkinson disease Association (APDA) or the Parkinson's Foundation.

Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home, 703 Virginia Avenue, Clarksville, VA is honored to serve the family and offers online condolences by visiting their website, www.watkinscooperlyon.com or by going to their Facebook page.