Jo Ann Ladner, a vibrant and feisty force of nature, departed this life on June 15, 2024. Born on August 25, 1954, Jo Ann lived a full and colorful life, always imbued with sass, wit, and an enduring sense of fun. Truly, the lives she touched will never be the same without her radiant spirit.

In her wake, Jo Ann leaves her beloved children; daughter, Kristen Edwards Myrick of Colorado and son, Ryan Edwards of Tennessee, her brother Pat Jennings (Jan) of Mississippi, her sister Micki King of Mississippi, as well as aunts, nieces, and nephews. She was also the proud grandmother to six "grandpuppies." Jo Ann was predeceased by her father, Hulon Ray Jennings, her mother, Clara Sellers Jennings, and her brother, Jerry Jennings.

Professionally, Jo Ann dedicated most of her life working for the state of Mississippi. She proudly served as a City Clerk in Lumberton, MS, and later ended her career as the City Clerk of Pearl, MS. Her dedication and commitment to serving her community were unwavering and it is sure her colleagues remember her as a beacon of professionalism and for her tireless work for their city.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, JoAnn was known for her impeccable sense of style and love for fashion. She took great pride in always looking her best and had an eye for decorating that extended beyond just herself - she loved to create beautiful spaces within her home for every holiday. She firmly believed in the power of dressing to impress and reminded those around her to "Never wear flats" and to "Never leave the house without your hair and makeup done because you never know who you’ll run into!” Those fortunate enough to know her closely will remember her as someone who always strived to look her best, inspiring others to do the same.

Jo Ann's core strength came from her loyalty to those she loved, particularly her two children and her cherished dogs. As a mother, Jo Ann's love was limitless. Her children were the lights of her life and their successes brought immeasurable pride to JoAnn's heart. Her devotion to her “fur kids” was also unmatched, and their shared companionship brought her immense joy and comfort.

Jo Ann had a profound love for life and indulged in various pursuits of joy. She was a dedicated fan of the New Orleans Saints, the Denver Broncos, and Mississippi State University. Jo Ann had a lifelong love of music. especially The Doors, and specifically their song "Riders on the Storm.” She enjoyed listening to music and dancing around in her family home her entire life. She was often found watching the Hallmark Channel or any Christmas movie, no matter what time of the year, reflecting her love for the holiday season and its merriment.

A lover of the outdoors, Jo Ann took pleasure in gardening, a hobby that bloomed much like her radiant personality. She also enjoyed the thrill of shopping and cherished traveling, with Italy occupying a special place in her heart. Jo Ann was a passionate supporter of causes such as the ASPCA and St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital. Her deep love for animals and generosity towards the less fortunate was a testament to her caring nature.

Though Jo Ann Ladner may no longer be with us in body, as we remember her, we are reminded to embrace life with a sense of fashion, flair, and inherent fun that Jo Ann herself embodied. She will be greatly missed, but her spark will forever light the way for those she left behind.

A Celebration of Life will be held later in the year so that loved ones can gather together once more to honor and celebrate the remarkable woman that was JoAnn Jennings Ladner – someone whose presence graced our lives with laughter, love, compassion, and grace.

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