Jo Anne Maynard

Mrs. Jo Anne Albers Maynard of Burlington, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2025.

Born July 20, 1936, she was the daughter of John H. Albers and Jane H. Albers. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James W. Maynard, and brother John H. Albers.

She is survived by her son James W. Maynard Jr., and wife Barbara M. Maynard, son John R. Maynard and wife Robin D. Maynard and son Stephen A. Maynard and four grandchildren, James W. Maynard III and wife Elizabeth F. Maynard, Robert M. Maynard, Lauren M. Irby and husband William C. Irby, Christian P. Maynard and wife Carolina B. Maynard, and four great grandchildren, Grace C. Irby, John C. Irby, Harris M. Maynard, and William R. Maynard.

Known by her friends as Joie, she was born in East Lansing, Michigan. Joie grew up in San Marino, California, where she attended San Marino High School. Joie graduated from Stanford University and Harvard Graduate School of Education, and taught in the Newton, Mass., public school system.

Active in her community, she was a board member of the N.C. Museum of History Associates and chair of its acquisition committee. She served on the editorial staff and as distribution chair of the History of Alamance County Legacy Book Committee for the Alamance County Historical Museum. She also was a director and the first female president of Alamance Country Club and was a member of the administrative board and board of trustees of Front Street United Methodist Church.

Both Jim and Joie have been strong supporters of Elon University. In 2007, Jim and Joie made a gift to establish two endowment funds to provide scholarships for students participating in Elon's Business Fellows and North Carolina Teaching Fellows programs. The Teaching Fellows endowment was established in memory of Joie's parents, Dr. John H. Albers and Jane H. Albers and the Business Fellows endowment was established in memory of Jim's parents, Reid A. Maynard and Grace M. Maynard.

When asked what it was like moving from Southern California by way of Boston to Burlington, N.C., Joie would always respond she couldn't imagine not living in Burlington due to the lifelong friends she treasured. Additionally, her sons will always be grateful to have a mother as a role model to teach us compassion, grace, civility, and confidence.

A private family graveside service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Joie's memory may send memorial donations to AuthoriaCare of Burlington, N.C., PublicSafetyDogs.Com, or a charity of their choice.