Jo Ann Utley

In Loving Memory of

Jo Ann Turner Utley

April 4, 1937 – August 28, 2023

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Jo Ann Turner Utley, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Jo Ann passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 28, 2023, at the age of 87 in Rome, Georgia. Born on April 4, 1937, in Dallas, Texas, she was the beloved daughter of the late Milton Turner and Janie Beasley Turner. Her life was a tapestry woven with faith, love, resilience, and a zest for adventure.

Jo Ann was a woman of great faith, a lifelong Christian whose relationship with God was the cornerstone of her life. She lived her faith daily, finding strength and comfort in her beliefs. Her trust in God’s plan provided her with the peace and courage to face life’s challenges, and she shared this faith with her family, instilling in them the same deep spirituality that guided her.

Family was at the heart of everything Jo Ann did. She is survived by her devoted son, Mike Utley, and his wife Victoria, who were a constant source of joy and pride for her. Jo Ann’s legacy lives on through her beloved grandchildren, Joshua Garner, Kevin Utley (Ashley), and Victoria Utley, each of whom she adored deeply. Her great-grandchildren brought an added sparkle to her life, and she took immense pleasure in watching them grow, celebrating their milestones, and cherishing the time she spent with them. Jo Ann’s family will forever remember her as a nurturing, loving matriarch who always put them first, providing endless support, guidance, and love.

Jo Ann was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Sheri Utley, whom she missed dearly every day. The bond between mother and daughter was unbreakable. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Kenneth Turner, with whom she shared a special sibling bond full of memories from their shared childhood in Texas.

A true Texan at heart, Jo Ann had an unshakeable love for her roots. She was a lifelong fan of the Dallas Cowboys, cheering them on with fervor and passion every season. Her loyalty to the team was well known among friends and family, and Sundays during football season were often spent with the game on, snacks ready, and Jo Ann offering her own commentary on the plays.

Jo Ann’s adventurous spirit was evident in her love for travel. She found great joy in exploring new places and revisiting old favorites. Among her most treasured destinations the country’s majestic mountains and the sunny beaches of Florida. Whether it was the peaceful solitude of a mountain cabin or the warmth of the Florida sun, Jo Ann felt at home in nature, and these places brought her a sense of serenity and happiness that she eagerly shared with those she loved.

Jo Ann was known for her strong-willed, independent nature. She approached life with determination and resilience, facing challenges head-on and never backing down. Her stubbornness was part of what made her so formidable, and it was balanced by a wonderful sense of humor. Jo Ann had a quick wit and a playful side that endeared her to everyone she met. She could bring a smile to anyone’s face, and her laughter was infectious. Her ability to find humor in life’s ups and downs was one of her most endearing qualities, and it will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.

Those who had the privilege of knowing Jo Ann will remember her as a great woman—one who lived her life with grace, strength, and a deep love for her family and friends. Her legacy of love, faith, and laughter will live on in the hearts of those she left behind.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. Parnick Jennings Good Shepherd Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

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