Jo Anderson Obituary

Celebrating in heaven today with Jesus and all her loved ones, Jo Ann Houston Anderson proudly drew her first and last breaths in her beloved Sand Ridge community in Lexington, Tennessee. Born June 22, 1931, she passed peacefully on Sunday morning, March 23, 2025, having lived a blessed life of 93 years. Preceded in death by her beloved husband of over 50 years, Earl Anderson, and later in life husband, William Stewart, son Stanley Houston Anderson, daughter Nancy Ann Anderson, parents Noah Arthur and Chessie Houston, and brothers Lyman and Harry Houston. She leaves behind her son, Timothy Earl (Kara), four grandchildren Ashley Anderson, Chad Anderson (Jessica), Hayden Anderson (Alexis), Avery Raines (Wilson) and six great- grandchildren Jadyn Anderson, Evy, Ella, and Eli Anderson, James Anderson, Jr., and Anderson Raines.
Jo Ann will be remembered for several things. First and foremost, she was a child of God and lovingly served her church, Sand Ridge Baptist her entire life. When she was not at home caring for her husband and three children, you could always find her at the church serving as a teacher, a mentor, a volunteer, and a friend.
Second, she was an energetic caregiver. She lovingly sacrificed everything for her special needs daughter, Nancy, for 56 amazing years. Nancy was blessed to have such a special mother fighting for her health, happiness, and wellbeing every day. When Jo Ann's mother passed too soon, she made sure her father was fed and cared for every day for over 20 years.
Thirdly, she loved to have fun! She was self-deprecating, always making fun of herself first. She was witty, funny, and strong and stubborn. She was competitive and loved to win, especially when playing her favorite card game, Rook. When asked of her childhood, a story she told was that she was the fastest cotton picker in the county. No one could prove otherwise, so we all just gave her that one. And let's not forget she was a warrior shopper. Turn her loose in the mall, and not only would you be hard-pressed to keep up, you would be exhausted when you got back home.
Jo Ann had a powerfully strong network of friends. Friends who cared deeply for each other, were there for each other, and loved each other through good times and bad. She lived in community with others the way God intended. And now, she is with her new heavenly community, where she is already putting together her new, winning Rook team.
Her family would like to thank all the caregivers and medical teams that have supported Jo Ann and Nancy over the last few years. They were a special part of the family and helped to make Jo Ann's wishes come true – to spend her final days at home.
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, March 29 at Sand Ridge Baptist Church with services to follow at 1PM.
Memorial donations can be made to Easter Seals of Lexington 759 West Church Street Suite 8 Lexington, TN 38351 or Sand Ridge Baptist Church 7535 Highway 412 West Lexington, TN 38351