Jo Ann (Reynolds) Painter, 76, of Mantachie exchanged her crippled body for one that will never again know corruption on Thursday, February 12, 2015, at the hospice facility of the North Mississippi Medical Center.
Jo Ann was born on September 17, 1938, in Itawamba County. She attended Mantachie High School and enjoyed playing basketball for the Mustangs. When she graduated from high school, she began working for Charm Step Shoe Company in Fulton. She began to experience the ravages of rheumatoid arthritis in her 20s, and by age 39, she was completely disabled by the disease and required plastic joints in her finger knuckles and wrists.
Jo Ann had already been employed for over twenty years when she became a stay-at-home mom after her joint surgery. Becoming a housewife, however, did not mean she worked less. Jo Ann assisted other family members as needs arose and performed most household duties on her own. She always believed that if she didn’t use it, she would lose it. She refused to apply for a handicapped hangtag, believing that remaining as active as possible was a key to maintaining a semblance of her former health.
Jo Ann was involved in her home church, Shiloh United Methodist, for over fifty years. She loved her Lord and the people who attempted to live out His teachings.
On January 6, 2015, Jo Ann suffered a stroke. In early February, she had a second stroke and started manifesting other complications in the days that followed.
Jo Ann was predeceased by her husband of forty years Bobby Painter on May 11, 2007, and her mother Lorette Reynolds on September 6, 1993.
She is survived by sister Louise Reynolds and brother Carlos Reynolds, both of Mantachie; son Bobby (Bob) Painter Jr. of Columbus, OH; daughter Susan Hood, granddaughters Caryn and Beth Hood, and niece Cindy Reynolds, all of Mantachie; and nephew Chris Reynolds of Vaiden.
Jo Ann’s body will lie in state at Shiloh United Methodist Church in Mantachie. The family will receive friends at the church from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday and from noon until service time on Saturday.
The service will be held on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. Reverend Bobby Hankins, Reverend Ronnie Goodwin and Reverend Ron Schwake will each have parts in the service. Jo Ann will be buried next to her husband at Oak Grove Cemetery in Ratliff Community outside Mantachie. McNeece – Morris Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Pallbearers will be Rickie Wigginton, Gayle Reynolds, Barry Reynolds, Donnis (Donnie) Painter, Alan Cates, and Paul Wesson.
Honorary pallbearers are members of the Paul Johnson Sunday School Class.
