Jo Ann Rankin

1946 - 2025

Jo Ann Shofner Rankin, 79, passed away peacefully in her Jamestown home surrounded by her husband and daughter. Born on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1946, in Baltimore, Maryland, Jo Ann lived a life that reflected the meaning of her birthday-one centered on love, beauty, and care for others.

A registered nurse by profession and a nurturer by nature, Jo Ann's compassion touched countless lives. Whether caring for patients or supporting her family, she gave freely of herself. A woman of warmth, wit, and style, Jo Ann loved laughter and could always be counted on to lighten the room with her humor and quick smile. She delighted in music, antiques, history, and travel-venturing from Charleston to San Diego, and New York to London's streets and beyond-she found joy in learning about the history and beauty that surrounded her every day.

Jo Ann shared thirty years of marriage with her husband, Edwin Rankin, and was the devoted mother of Allison Elizabeth Long and mother-in-law to Steven Michael Long in Oak Ridge, North Carolina. Her greatest joy in life, was being "Grandma Closest" to her beloved grandson, Samuel Michael Long, an N.C. State student, of whom she was endlessly proud.

Jo Ann is also survived by her sister, Martha Joiner, and brother-in-law Lonnie Joiner of Hickory, North Carolina, along with nephews Bruce Carlton, Grant Carlton, and Jeff Joiner and their families. Jo Ann deeply treasured the many memories shared and made with her sister and what she affectionately referred to as, "the boys."

She will also be fondly remembered by Edwin's sisters Linda Misenheimer and Jane Kester, and brother-in-law Gene Kester of High Point, North Carolina – where the laughs and stories over the many family gatherings that Edwin's family had, were many and treasured. Edwin's daughter, Whitney Melchiorre, her husband, Matt, and their daughter, Olivia, were also part of Jo Ann's life, and she took joy in seeing Olivia grow, and in the moments they shared together.

A service to celebrate Jo Ann's life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, November 17, in the Life Tribute Center at Cumby Family Funeral Service, 1015 Eastchester Dr. in High Point. Following the service, the family will greet friends until 2:00 p.m. at the Life Tribute Center.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hinesely in Home Care in Asheboro, NC or AuthoraCare Hospice Collective, Greensboro, North Carolina whose care and compassion from both organizations over the past years, brought Jo Ann and her family deep comfort.

Condolences may be made through www.cumbyfuneral.com.