Jo Ann White

A celebration of life service for Jo Ann King White, 83, of Florence, MS, will be held at Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence with visitation on August 16, 2023 from 5-8 pm and again on August 17, 2023 from 9:00 am until the 10:00 am hour of service with Rev. Malcom Pinion officiating, and graveside services at Briar Hill Cemetery in Florence, MS. with Rev Jed Meredith officiating.

Jo Ann entered into the joy of the Master on August 14, 2023 after a heroic battle with cancer. Her family was by her side. Jo Ann was born in Gilbert, LA on June 12, 1940, to Bob and Lorraine King. She and her brothers and sisters grew up the children of hard working sharecroppers, hoeing and picking cotton by hand. After graduating Gilbert High School in 1958, she was introduced to her future husband, Fred, while visiting her grandmother in Jackson, MS. Thirteen days later, they were engaged and approximately one year later, they were married and were for 64 years. She became a licensed beautician and worked as a stylist in Nan's Beauty Salon on South President Street in Jackson. She worked until her second son was born, then dedicated herself to raising her boys at home. She did so until 1975 when she went to work for The Heritage School of St. Columb's Episcopal Church. Here she worked as a cook, teachers aid, secretary, and retired as the Business Manager in 2005.

Jo Ann was a devout Christian who exemplified her faith. She was a faithful member of Victory Congregational Methodist Church. She enjoyed, and mastered, crochet and hand quilting, creating beautiful heirlooms for her family and close friends. 

Jo Ann loved large family gatherings, and had an open-door policy for family and friends alike. One of her greatest joys was to have cup of coffee while she chatted and laughed with close friends, especially her best friend of many years, Martha.

Jo Ann is preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Lorraine King, her brothers Bluford, Jimmy, and Rayford King, and her sister, Edith Wilkinson. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Fred White of Florence MS, her sons Greg White and wife Ashley of Brandon, MS, John White and wife Penny of Star, MS, and Scott White of Florence, MS. Eight grandchildren include Emily Frederick and husband Jason of Chapin, SC, Scott Taylor White of Brandon, MS, Cory White of Pearl, MS, Kayla Grice, of Gulfport, MS, Jay Grice and wife Bella, of Richland, MS, Gennifer Walker and husband Jacob of Harrisville, MS, Olivia White of Florence, MS, and Veronica White of D'Lo, MS. Six great grandchildren including Katherine and Garrett Frederick of Chapin, SC, Daniel, Penelope, Everly, and Liam Walker all of Harrisville, MS. Three sisters, Oleta Mason of Brandon, MS, Jaunita Cole of Pelahatchie, MS, and Mary White of Pearl, MS, and host of nieces and nephews and their extended families. 

Scott Taylor White, Cory White, Jay Grice, Jacob Walker, Jason Frederick, Daniel Walker, Quenton Bridges, Gene Purser and Henry Griffith will serve as pallbearers.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Bobby Graham, the Cancer Center, and the staff of St. Dominic's hospital.