Jo Ann Cothran Roueche

1931 - 2024

Jo Ann Roueche, aged 92, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, went to be with her Lord on April 4, 2024. She was born to the late Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Cothran on October 18, 1931. Jo Ann was the widow of Joseph R. Roueche, Sr., to whom she was married for 53 years until his passing in 2008. Jo Ann was preceded in death by her four younger brothers.

She is survived by a legacy of eight devoted children: Joe (Margaret), John (Beth), Jim (Sheila), Jeff, Joan, Jerry, Jay (Trinka), and Jed. Her memory will also reside in the hearts of her eight grandchildren: Kimberly (Brad), Jennifer (Brandon), Jessica (Jason), Kristin (Dustin), Matthew (Haley), Joseph, Jacqueline, and Catherine, as well as her nine great-grandchildren.

Jo Ann received a B.S. in Art and English Education from East Carolina University in 1954. Following her graduation, she married Joe, Sr. Jo Ann utilized her lifelong love of art by oil painting, arranging dried flowers, creating pastel posters, and exhibiting in numerous area craft shows. Jo Ann also loved music. Her singing began very early when she sang and played the triangle in a program at her elementary school. Jo Ann continued to offer her voice to various church choirs until her late 80's. She traveled domestically and internationally with the Roueche Chorale and Orchestra. Jo Ann also oversaw the exposure of her eight children to music and instrumental band instruction.

However, her love of art and music dims compared to her love of Jesus. In Him, she found the purpose for her voice and the work of her hands. One of her favorite verses was from Luke 12:32 (RSVCE), which states, “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Throughout her life, Jo Ann invited others in various ways to experience fullness of life through a relationship with Jesus.

With this heart, the family invites the community to join them in prayer and the remembrance of Jo Ann Cothran Roueche on May 9, 2024, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. JoAnn's life and faith will be honored with a visitation from 4 pm to 6 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will commence at 6 pm as we entrust her soul to the Almighty with the comfort that she now resides in His divine presence. All are invited to a reception immediately following Mass.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift may be made to The Roueche Chorale, P.O. Box 80626, Chattanooga, TN 37414. You may also visit: www.therouechechorale.org.