Jo Ann Mabrey Waits, 86, of Gadsden, Alabama entered her Heavenly home on May 4th, 2022.
Jo Ann was born March 27, 1936, to Mary Louise and Juston Mabrey in Hartselle, Alabama. She grew up in Gadsden and was a 1954 graduate of Emma Sansom High School. She was married to Jerry Milton Waits for 54 years. She worked for Gadsden City Schools until her retirement at Emma Sansom High School. Jo Ann was a member of Dwight Baptist Church and enjoyed antiques, cross stitching, watching Alabama football, shopping, and reading about Heaven and Biblical prophecy. Jo Ann was most content when she was surrounded by family and friends.
Jo Ann is survived by son, Mark (Liz) Waits, daughter, Kelly (David) Cochran, brothers, Jerry Don Mabrey and Larry Mabrey (Judy), sister in laws Sarah Mabrey, Mary Tom Hale, and Florence Dial, beloved grandchildren Callie Mills Cochran, Marcus Grant Waits, Juston Clay Waits, and Blaine Reese Russell, special lifelong friend, Barbara Frazier, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jerry, and daughter Dawn (Luanne), brother Harold (Sonny Boy) Mabrey and her precious grandson, David Maxwell (Max) Cochran.
The celebration of her life will be held on Tuesday, May 10th, at Collier Butler Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am with the service to follow at 1:00 pm. The service will be led by Pastor Jay Stewart.
A private interment ceremony will follow at Forrest Cemetery. Pallbearers will be grandsons (Grant, Clay and Blaine), Juston Mabrey, Matt Mabrey, Ethan Embry and Chuck Burns. Honorary pallbearers will be special friends, Vincent Holladay and G.R. Norton.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Kwan, RBC Fire Department, Regency Pointe, Encompass Home Health and Hospice Care, her nurse Jennifer Clay, her friend Karen Harris, and her personal caregiver Mamie Stone.
In lieu of flowers, memorials and donations may be made to MAXimizing Mental Health in memory of her grandson, Max Cochran. Donations may be mailed to 616 Bellevue Drive, Gadsden, AL 35904.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.collier-butler.com for the Waits family.
