Jo Ann Woodard, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2024, surrounded by her cherished family. Born on September 19, 1935, to the late William Herman Gregory and Alma Jane (Earps) Gregory in Hartsville, Tennessee, Jo Ann’s life was a testament to the values of love, faith, and service. She graduated from Trousdale County High School in 1954 and married her fellow classmate, Billy Cato Woodard in June of 1955.
Rooted deeply in her small hometown of Hartsville, a place of a close-knit community, Jo Ann embraced the warmth and familiarity of a town where everyone was more than just a neighbor—they were family. Her life was intricately woven into the fabric of her community, where her presence was felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Jo Ann found her spiritual home at the First Baptist Church of Hartsville, her husband’s home church, where she flourished. She became a pillar of the church community, and she served with unwavering dedication on the Kitchen Committee for many many years. Alongside her husband, Billy, a Deacon and Church Treasurer of forty years, Jo Ann attended almost every Sunday School, morning service and evening services, and also assisted with Vacation Bible School, her faith guiding her in every aspect of her life. Her commitment to her church spanned over 60 years, leaving a legacy of faith that will endure in the hearts of those she touched.
Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her family and church to her professional life, where she worked as a Teacher’s Aide for special needs children at Head Start, Trousdale County High School and Trousdale County Elementary School for over twenty years. Jo Ann found deep fulfillment in allowing her compassionate nature to serve as a beacon of hope for countless children and she especially enjoyed helping many of them participate in Special Olympics events.
When she was not tending to the needs of others, Jo Ann found solace and joy with flowers, where she cultivated beauty with the same care and attention she gave to every part of her life.
Jo Ann’s memory will be forever cherished by her devoted husband of sixty-nine years, Billy Woodard; her beloved daughter, Melissa Woodard Langsdon (John Langsdon III); her treasured grandson, John “Jake” Langsdon IV (fiancée Alex Blackburn) and her “sister” niece Dot Piper. She was predeceased by her half-siblings, Carl Gregory and Louise Gregory, and her sibling, Lucille Gregory Hobbs.
In the hearts of her family, friends, and community, Jo Ann Woodard’s spirit will live on—a testament to a life well-lived, filled with grace, generosity, and an abiding love for all.
The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at Williams Funeral Home in Columbia, TN. Funeral services will begin immediately following visitation at 12:00 p.m. with Bro. Bob Vassar officiating.
There will be a second funeral service in Jo Ann’s hometown of Hartville, TN. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m., Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Hartsville. Funeral services will begin immediately following visitation at 12:00 p.m. with Bro. Darryl Turner officiating. Interment will follow at Hartsville Memorial Gardens.
Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
