Jo Ann McAnally's Obituary
Jo Ann McAnally was born in Jackson, Mississippi on Feb 15, 1940. She returned home to her Creator on July 26, 2023 at the age of 83. She was the 8th of 11 children born to Thomas Clifton McAnally and Allie Lee Williams McAnally.
As a child, Jo Ann lived in Mississippi and Arkansas, with the family eventually settling in South Florida. Jo Ann married the love of her life, Paul F. Goetz Jr. on Dec. 26, 1956. Together they had 3 daughters. Paul was a member of the Air Force and as a military family they moved around the country and lived on a variety of military bases.
Jo Ann and her husband ended their marriage in 1975 and she returned to Florida to be near her family. Jo Ann never remarried and devoted her time and energy to raising her young daughter and being a support to her extended family members. Jo Ann retired from Bell South Telephone Company after more than 30 years of service.
Jo Ann was devoted to her large family that included her children, grandchildren/greatgrandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family members. She dearly loved her only remaining sibling, Robert. As a Christian, she demonstrated her faith by helping others and opening up her home and heart to those in need.
Jo Ann leaves behind a legacy of love that will be felt in the generations to follow. She will live on in the love of her family and her stories will be told by all those who have known and loved her.
Jo Ann was preceded in death by the majority of her family of origin including her parents, Clifton and Allie and siblings; Betty, Nita, Ellie, Grace, Lecile, Leon, Don, Jerry, and Paul Ray. Waiting for her on the other side of the veil was also her beloved granddaughter, Katy and precious great-granddaughter, Riley. There were many others waiting, too many to name, who were there to welcome her home.
Jo Ann is survived by her three daughters, Debra McIrvin Gulling (husband Robin) of Stockton, CA; Karen Vinyard of Winter Haven, FL and Darlene Terry of Cutler Bay, FL. She is also survived by her only remaining sibling, Robert McAnally of Cutler Bay. In addition, she is survived by 8 biological grandchildren and two grandchildren by choice, as well as 17 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind many others (nieces, nephews, cousins, family by choice and friends), all of whom she loved dearly.
To honor this amazing woman, a celebration of her life will be held Sat. Aug. 12th, 2023 at Branam Funeral Home in Homestead. A public viewing will be held from 11:30am to 1:00 pm. Service to follow immediately. After the service there will be a gathering of family and friends to share food, stories, and laughter. Details related to the gathering will be shared at the end of the service. All who knew and cared for Jo Ann are welcome.
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