Jo Ann Torrans

Jo Ann Fletcher Torrans, a beloved wife, mother, MiMi, friend and dedicated educator, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2025, just two weeks shy of her 76th birthday. Born and raised in Quincy, Florida, to Marcellus and Myra Rebecca Marcellus Fletcher, Jo Ann faced an early life of adversity with the loss of her parents at a young age. This early challenge only strengthened her resolve, shaping her into the resilient and compassionate woman we all knew and loved.

She pursued her passion for education at the University of West Florida, where she majored in Elementary Education and, more importantly, met the love of her life, Al Torrans. After graduating in 1972, they married and built a beautiful life together in Lake City, a partnership that flourished for more than 53 years. Jo Ann was the true heart of their home, the woman who stood beside and behind Al, creating a life filled with love and support.

Jo Ann and Al were blessed with two daughters, Teresa (Teresa Torrans Phillips) and Tiffany (Tiffany Torrans Malone), and were later joined by her beloved sons-in-law, Eric Phillips and Kyle Malone. She mastered the art of balancing a career with motherhood, excelling at both. As the anchor of her family, she was a true "dance mom" before it was a trend and a brave Girl Scout leader who took her troop tent camping in the freezing cold. Her home was a haven where her daughters and their friends were always welcome, whether for pool parties, painting posters in the driveway, or simply making cherished memories. More than anything, Jo Ann taught her daughters by example how to be exceptional mothers themselves, a lesson they have carried forward with grace.

Her impact reached far beyond her own home. For nearly 40 years, Jo Ann served the children of Columbia County as a dedicated educator. She began her career at Eastside Elementary, where she taught 4th and 5th grade for two decades, earning a special place in the hearts of countless students who fondly remember her as "one of my favorite teachers." She was instrumental in opening Columbia City Elementary School, where she continued teaching before transitioning to a Curriculum Resource Teacher. Jo Ann was recognized for her hard work and dedication by being named CCE Teacher of the Year. As a leader on the School Advisory Committee and Volunteer Coordinator, she worked tirelessly to involve families in their children's education. Jo Ann had a magical way of making learning and even high-stakes testing fun. She was the school's "Sunshine Committee leader" in every sense of the word, often working quietly behind the scenes to ensure that every child had what they needed, whether it was school supplies or a memorable Christmas.

Jo Ann lived by the belief that a village is needed to raise children, and she built that village for her family and friends. She was a master of celebration, a party planner extraordinaire who found any excuse to bring people together. A woman of many talents, she enjoyed crafting, landscaping, traveling, and hosting game nights. Her friends were not just friends; they were her chosen family, a testament to the deep bonds she created throughout her life.

Without a doubt, her favorite role was being a "Crazy MiMi" to her four grandchildren. She became a Mimi with her first granddaughter, Taylor Phillips, and was immensely proud to watch her graduate from Jo Ann's own alma mater, UWF, exactly 50 years after her. She shared a special birthday bond with Tori Phillips, her "best birthday gift ever," and loved to share her many "Tori Stories." She was thrilled to finally have a boy in the family to spoil, her grandson Kolt Malone, and delighted in his excitement and love of fishing, even when he ran inside her house to show her a fish he'd just caught. Kenzie, her youngest granddaughter, was her "baby girl," and Jo Ann made sure not just Kenzie but all of her dolls were dressed to perfection. She created a lifetime of memories with her grandchildren, from shopping trips and beach weekends to visits to the pumpkin patch.

Jo Ann's life was a testament to the difference one person can make. She will be profoundly missed, but the love she gave and the memories she created will continue to be celebrated by all who knew her.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 14th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home in Lake City, Florida. A Funeral Mass will take place on Monday, September 15th, at 1:00 PM at Epiphany Catholic Church in Lake City, Florida, with a graveside service to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Columbia County Public Schools Foundation to continue her legacy of love for children and education. Donations may be made in her honor at ccsedufoundation.com or mailed to:

Columbia County Public Schools Foundation

attn: Dianna Swisher

372 W. Duval Street

Lake City, FL 32055