Jo Ann Young

Sister Jo Ann Young was born on May 3, 1948, in Dunnellon, Florida, to Elijah Thomas Young and Willie Mae Brown Young. She passed away after a life deeply rooted in faith, family, and community. Preceded in death by her parents, a brother, James Blanford, Jr., and two sisters, Constance Yvonne Young Scott and Dollie Mae Young Brown, she leaves behind a legacy of quiet strength and unwavering kindness.

A woman of strong faith, Jo Ann accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized in 1963 at First Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. She remained an active and devoted member throughout her life, singing in the choir, serving as an usher, and working in the Cafeteria Ministry. Always willing to lend a hand wherever needed, she touched many lives through her gentle spirit and generous heart.

She graduated in 1966 from Booker T. Washington High School in Dunnellon, where she excelled in basketball and track and served as a cheerleader for the Fighting Wildcats football team. Her warm personality and athletic spirit helped her form lifelong friendships. Jo Ann later retired after many years of dedicated service in food service with the Citrus County School District. She found joy in collecting elephant figurines, cooking, and watching softball, basketball, and tennis.

She is survived by her three loving daughters, Caratonya Ford of Spring Hill, Florida, Yolanda Gore and husband Derrick of Riverview, Florida, and Daphane Stevens of Montgomery, Alabama; five grandchildren, Denitra Harvey, Eboni Rayer and husband Robert, Malcolm Ford, Devonte Stokes and wife Bianca, and Xariah Stevens; five great-grandchildren; her brother Horace Blanford and wife Deborah of Orlando, Florida; three sisters, Frances Taylor and husband Eugene of Dunnellon, Amelia Grant and husband Leroy of Miami, and Audrey Adside and husband Roger of Miami; four god sisters; and a circle of devoted friends who will carry her memory with deep affection.