JoAnne Howell

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the beautiful life and legacy of Ms. JoAnne Howell. Affectionately known as "Miss Ann," she graced this world on August 29, 1948, in Fort Valley, Georgia, as the beloved daughter of Milton, Jr. and Georgia Mae Howell. She was the third of eight children.

JoAnne grew up surrounded by the warmth of Fort Valley, where she attended the Peach County School System and graduated proudly with the Class of 1966 at H.A. Hunt High School. After graduation, she set out to broaden her horizons at Job Corps in Cleveland, Ohio.

Yet, when her family needed her, JoAnne's loving spirit guided her home to help care for her ailing sister, Gloria. In 1974, she furthered her education at the Peach County Nursing Program, becoming a nurse and fulfilling her calling to serve others.

While JoAnne excelled professionally, her heart belonged at home with her only son, Vince. She chose to become a stay-at-home mother, pouring her energy into raising him with love, laughter, and many adventures. She delighted in opening her home to her nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and Vince's friends. "Miss Ann," as she liked to be called, had a gift for making everyone feel welcomed and special. Her son fondly recalls the birthday parties she planned, always filled with so many children that even he didn't know them all.

Miss Ann's hobbies reflected her vibrant spirit. She loved capturing memories, always with a camera in hand, ensuring that the moments spent with friends and family would be treasured for years to come. A voracious reader, she could often be found at the local library searching for the latest mystery novels or thumbing through her favorite Reader's Digest. Even as her health declined, she kept Vince busy tracking down books by her favorite authors across Middle Georgia libraries. Her love for reading was one of the greatest gifts she passed down to him.

She was also a gifted seamstress who was proud to wear the beautiful garments she created. She often created and wore bold, African-inspired outfits complete with matching head wraps. Known as a sharp dresser with a personal flair, Miss Ann's style reflected her creativity and self-assurance. Her hands and her heart were always busy whether she was sewing clothes, babysitting grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews, or delighting in every moment with the children in her family.