Jo Ann Critcher Vanderford Alessandrini

Jo Ann Critcher Vanderford Alessandrini, 89, of Salisbury, NC, passed away Thursday, November 21, 2024 at her residence.

Born July 10, 1935 in Watauga County, NC she was the daughter of the late Willie Mack "Will" Critcher and Verl Hazel Long Critcher and stepmother, Mary Christine Harrison Critcher.

Jo Ann was a graduate of Watauga High School and Presbyterian Nursing School. She married Billy Vanderford in 1958, with whom she had their four children and was a homemaker up until his passing. As a widow she then began to work as an ER nurse with Rowan Memorial Hospital and then later with the VA Hospital as a psychiatric nurse for 20 years. Jo Ann was a woman of great faith and a member of Salem Lutheran Church.

Known as a classy yet tough mountain girl with the kindest smile, soft touch of love, wisdom and gentle guidance as she cared and nurtured for all as a nurse, pastors wife, matriarch and friend. Jo Ann was known for stealing the show with her award winning quilts winning 'Best in Show' and 'Viewer's Choice' at local shows. She was loved and admired for her handwork (needlework, ribbon work, embroidery, and beading). To her family and others she was a loving wife, mother, grandmommy, "Hot G Mommy", sister, and aunt.

Preceding her in death are husbands, Rev. Billy Lee "Bill" Vanderford and Enrico "Rico" Alessandrini; son, John Vanderford; sister, Lavon Caudill, brothers, JW Critcher, Weldon Critcher, Mack Critcher; and, son in law, Gary Sims Jr.

Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Lisa Sims of Salisbury, NC, Linda Corcoran (Brian) of Brighton, CO, Judy Jones (Kenny) of Mt. Ulla, NC; brother, Bruce Cook (Sharon), sister, Wanda Scott and (Bob), sister, Laura Higgins (Bobby); grandchildren, Natalie Morgan, Wesley Jones (Meredith), Anna Winslow (Zeb), Brianna Corcoran, Erin Corcoran; great grandchildren, Landon Morgan, Madeleine Morgan, Wade Jones, Lydia Morgan, Zeb Winslow, Ava Jones, Tori Jones, and Ezra Winslow; sister in law, Margaret Critcher; along with many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at Salem Lutheran Church with Pastor Dawn Rister of St. Paul Lutheran Church Pomaria and Pastor Shannon Critcher (nephew) of Millers Creek Baptist Church officiating.

Memorials may be made to Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 5080 Sherrills Ford Rd., Salisbury, NC 28147; American Cancer Society, 1901 Brunswick Ave., Charlotte, NC 28207, or to a local hospice organization of choice.

Summersett Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com