Jo Ann Young

Sister Jo Ann Young was born in Dunnellon Florida on May 3, 1948 to Elijah Thomas Young and Willie Mae Brown Young. Her parents, a brother (James Blanford, Jr.) and two sisters, (Constance Yvonne Young Scott and Dollie Mae Young Brown) preceded her in death.

Church Affiliation: Sister Young accepted Christ at an early age, joining First Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, and was Baptized in 1963 under the pastorate of the late Rev. James Brooks. She sang in the choir, ushered and worked in the Cafeteria Ministry. She was always willing to help where she was needed. Sister Young was a very special person and will be missed by her family, friends, community, and church family.

Education: She was a 1966 graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, Dunnellon, Florida, where she excelled in Basketball and Track. She was also a cheerleader for the Fighting Wildcats Football Team. There she formed many friendships that lasted throughout her life. She was well loved by all who knew her.

Employment: Retired after many years in food service with the Citrus County School District

Favorite Scripture: Psalm 23 KJV "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want"

Favorite Song: "Walk With Me Lord"

Hobbies: Collecting Elephant Figurines, Cooking, Watching Softball, Basketball and Tennis
She leaves to cherish her precious memories: Her three loving and devoted daughters: Caratonya Ford of Spring Hill, Florida, Yolanda Gore and husband Derrick of Riverview, Florida, Daphane Stevens of Montgomery, Alabama; 5 Grandchildren: Denitra Harvey of Brandon, Florida; Eboni Rayer and husband Robert of Ashburn, Virginia; Malcolm Ford of Grande Prairie, Texas; Devonte Stokes and wife Bianca of El Paso Texas; and Xariah Stevens of Montgomery, Alabama; 5 great grandchildren: Brother: Horace Blanford and wife Deborah of Orlando, Florida Three Sisters: Frances Taylor (Eugene) of Dunnellon, Florida; Amelia Grant (Leroy) of Miami, Florida and Audrey Adside (Roger) of Miami, Florida Four God sisters: Althea Crummer (Arthur) of Beverly Hills, Florida; Tanja Council of St. Petersburg, Florida and Cynthia (Douglas) Joyner of Lecanto, Florida; Maxine Thomas (Leo) of Dunnellon, Florida; Special and Devoted Friends: Delores Williams of Citrus Springs, Florida; Ruth Churchwell of Dunnellon, Florida, and Joyce Jones; A host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and sorrowing friends.