Jo Ann King

Mrs. Jo Ann S. King was born on August 8, 1942, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Annie and Joseph Shelton. Her parents migrated from New York City to Cleveland in the early 1940s and later returned to New York. Following her parents' separation, Jo Ann returned to Cleveland to reside with her grandmother. Though Cleveland became her home, she continued to spend her summer, winter, and spring breaks in New York with family.
Jo Ann began her education at Public School No. 68 in New York City, alongside two of her cousins of the same age. She completed her education within the Cleveland Municipal School District and proudly graduated from East High High School. She continued her studies at Cuyahoga Community College (Brownell School), Kent State Extension, and Cleveland State University.
Jo Ann began her professional career with the Internal Revenue Service before joining the Social Security Administration, where she faithfully served with dedication and excellence for more than 27 years until her retirement.
A devoted lover of the arts, Jo Ann was actively involved in many stage productions at the historic Karamu House, where she showcased her talents in acting and modern dance. She was also a proud member of the fashion group Natural Collections, through which she helped design, choreograph, and produce modeling shows throughout the city. Her elegance, creativity, and passion made her an exceptional dancer and performer. Jo Ann carried a lifelong appreciation for jazz, theater, and fashion.
Jo Ann was united in marriage to Mr. Oliver Murdock, and on June 30, 1969, their union was blessed with a son, Jamal Murdock. Jamal later became the proud father of Jo Ann's cherished granddaughter, Janae Murdock, born in 1991, who brought immeasurable joy to her life. In later years, Jo Ann met and married the love of her life, Mr. Emmit King. Together, they shared many wonderful years filled with love and companionship until his passing in 2001.
Throughout her life, Jo Ann embraced every opportunity to live joyfully. She loved to dance, explore the world through travel, and spend precious time with family and friends.
Jo Ann leaves to cherish her memory: her beloved son, Jamal Murdock; her adored granddaughter, Janae Murdock; two precious great-grandchildren, E'niyah and Emir Staton; her "daughter-in-love," Simone Flemming; her dear cousins, Dennis Shelton, Eddie Shelton, Helen Arthur, and Marcie Lemons; her godson Darrell Butler (Wanda); as well as loving sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, close friends, club members, former coworkers, and caring neighbors who will all remember her boundless energy, elegance, kindness, and joyful spirit.
Her presence will be deeply missed, but her light will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Services

Open Viewing
Thursday
February 19, 2026
12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
E. F. Boyd & Son Funeral Home and Crematory - Main Location
2165 East 89th Street William F. Boyd Sr. Way
Cleveland, OH 44106

Wake
Friday
February 20, 2026
10:00 AM to 10:30 AM
E. F. Boyd & Son Funeral Home and Crematory - Main Location
2165 East 89th Street William F. Boyd Sr. Way
Cleveland, OH 44106

Celebration of Life
Friday
February 20, 2026
10:30 AM
E. F. Boyd & Son Funeral Home and Crematory - Main Location
2165 East 89th Street William F. Boyd Sr. Way
Cleveland, OH 44106