FACE COVERINGS ARE STILL REQUIRED TO ENTER THE FUNERAL HOME!!

Funeral service will be 12 Noon on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Faith Temple COGIC.  Burial will follow in Pine Forest Cemetery.  Jo Ann aka Joan was born to Frank and Beatrice Thomas in Wilmington, North Carolina, on May 23, 1946.  She was the oldest of seven children. After completing her high school education at Williston High School, Joan moved to New York City where she worked as a telephone operator and had several children.  She returned to Wilmington and received her degree in Criminal Justice from Shaw University.  She cherished and took great joy in her career at the TASC Training Institute of Coastal Horizons Center.  Joan had a deep desire to serve her community, which she fulfilled by working as a commissioner for the Wilmington Housing Authority and served on the board of directors for Feast Down East, where she supported the local farmers market for the Rankin Terrace Community.  Additionally, Joan previously worked as a foster parent, which was a testament to her dedication to helping those in need. Following her retirement, Joan spent many years volunteering at the Feast Down East produce stand or enjoying her leisure time sitting on her porch.  Whenever people who knew her passed by, they would honk their horns or call out, "Hey, Ms. Jo!" Joan was an exceptional personality with a big heart and a deep love for others, making her a true pillar of her community.  Her kindness and generosity left a lasting impression on everyone she met; she was indeed a gift from God. She was a person who never shied away from telling the truth, even if it hurt.  However, the way she conveyed it was always with love, making it easier to accept.  Her absence will be deeply felt, but the memories of her will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing and loving her. On March 8, 2024, God called Joan home.  She is preceded in death by her mother, Beatrice Thomas; father, Frank Thomas; son, Alan Johnson; brothers; Lorenzo and David; sisters, Delores, Marie, and Carolyn.  Joan is survived by two daughters, Tabatha (Antoine), Atlanta, GA, and Tina (Kevin) Burlington, NC; four sons, Willie (Peggy) Columbus, GA, Michael Wilmington, NC; Timothy (Binta), Atlanta, GA Craig (Stephanie) Birmingham, AL; one sister Patricia Thomas Wilmington, NC; 19 grandchildren; Whitney Jaye, Brianna Summers, Tirik Johnson-Morse, Téa Johnson-Hooper, Travis Nixon, Takyra Nixon, Shameka Johnson, Jason Batts, Romona Raleigh, Shanita Gaines, Alan Johnson Jr., Corey Carson, Ladajah Branch, Sontee Johnson, Timothy Johnson Jr., Tyler Johnson, Karmen Paige, Taylor Pierce, Bo Johnson, and host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, bonus daughters, bonus sons and beloved friends that loved Joan dearly.