Jo Ann Young was born in Jasper, Texas, on May 22, 1932, to Thurman and Bridget Adams. The family moved to Cleveland, Texas, while she was in high school. She graduated from Cleveland High School and went to work at Martin Chevrolet.
One day, Moon showed up with a new puppy to show Ray Bounds his new pet. Ray and Moon went to have coffee, and Jo Ann was asked to watch over the puppy. This is how the romance began with Jo Ann and Moon. They later married on Nov. 22, 1951, and remained married until his death on Sept. 6, 2003.
Moon and Jo Ann opened Moon Young Photography, and they operated the business together until 2003.
They had two sons, Jeff and Wes. Jo Ann never faced an obstacle, task, or adventure that was too big for her to attempt. She enjoyed hunting, fishing, and working in her yard and flower beds. In the 80s, she and Moon became private pilots. She was a member of First Baptist Church for many years and sang in the choir.
Her Christian faith was strong, and she had compassion for helping others. For many years, she volunteered at the Senior Center. She had a compassion for helping the elderly. When family members abandoned their duties to look after these folks, Jo Ann was there and did not want praise for it. It was from her heart.
In 1970, the family moved to Tarkington Prairie. A new community, church, and school for the boys. Jo Ann also had a place for her dogs and more room to garden and grow vegetables. She attended Oak Shade Baptist Church.
After she lost Moon in 2003, she and Dave Strang became close friends, and she and Dave spent many good times together, including riding on the back of his Harley Davidson. Trips included destinations as far away as Mobile, Alabama.
She spent the last five years of her life in a private group home under the supervision of Liz Wakefield. The family would like to thank Liz and all of her staff for caring for our mother. During the last months of her life, she entered hospice care. Thanks to all the nurses who took care of her needs. New Age Hospice did a remarkable job caring for Jo Ann. We are grateful for the care provided by her hospice nurses, Pam Davis and Joan Mutai. A shout-out to Judy Reed, who coordinated the care team. During her final months, she had visits from Chaplain Sherry Razo, who brought prayers and a dog by to visit and brighten her day.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Moon Young; parents, Thurman and Bridget Adams; infant brother, Henry Thurman Adams; brothers, Noel Adams and wife Sadie, Collie Edgar and wife Earline.
She is survived by her sons, Wes and wife Kathy, Jeff; grandchildren, Justin Young and wife Kimberly and Jennifer Vansevitch; nieces, Cindy Bennett and husband Mike, Glenda Graves and husband Robert, Kay Hickman and husband Milan; great-grandchildren, Kolter and Kallie Jo Young; and adopted family members, Paul St. Denis, Bobbi Tribble, and Dan Strang and wife Ann.
As of today, there is a total of 23 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers include Justin Young, Kevin Ticer, Robert Graves, Dan Strang, Lonnie Mizell, and Dale Mizell. Honorary pallbearers are Paul St. Denis and Ron Bartee.
Service officiated by Tim Holder.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society (American Cancer Society) or Caring Heart at First Methodist Church, 100 William Barnett, Cleveland, TX 77327.