Jo Ann Pearson

Mrs. Jo Ann Pearson of Gainesville, GA passed away at age 85 on January 27th.

Jo Ann was born on March 11 th ,1939 in Jackson, MS. She was the only daughter and pride and joy of the late Joe and Gladys Goree, who raised her to be the strong, loving, Christian woman we all knew and loved.

In 1957, Jo Ann married her junior high sweetheart, Rayburn, and went on to have two daughters - Kim and Kristi. They moved their family to Tucker, GA in 1969 where Jo Ann was a
full-time homemaker for many years before opening a dry-cleaning business. In 1989, Jo Ann and Ray moved to Flowery Branch and poured their hearts into designing and building their dream home on Lake Lanier - a place that became the “hub” for so many and is now filled with countless memories of holidays and celebrations spent with “Gran” & “Pop”.

In retirement, Jo Ann earned her Master Gardeners Certification and spent endless hours working in her yard (which, of course, was always immaculate). She was a member of Christ Place Church, enjoyed reading, volunteering, and working part-time for the Hall County Library System. But more than anything else, Jo Ann loved a house full of family, laughter-filled meals around her dining room table, and spending time with her friends and family on the lake.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, Joe and Gladys Goree, her husband of 59 years, Rayburn Pearson and her son-in-law, Scotty Wheeler. She is survived by her daughters, Kim Wheeler and Kristi Kirkland and son-in-law Tim Kirkland; brother-in-law Dan Pearson and wife Betsy; six grandchildren: Ashleigh MacAskill and her husband Matt, Andy O’Reilly, Sadie Wheeler, Kiley Kirkland, Connor Kirkland, and Katie Gettys and her husband Michael. She is also survived by four great-grandchildren: Aaron (7) and Henry MacAskill (4), Scottie Rae
Wheeler (6), and Charlie Gettys (5mo).

Jo Ann was a nurturing caregiver and gave so much of herself to so many. Her life was a true testament to unconditional love, selflessness and family values.

At Jo Ann’s request, there will be no public memorial service. The family will host a Celebration of Life gathering for family and friends at a later date.

You can leave your condolences at hillsidechapelfuneralhome.com

Hillside Chapel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1190 McEver Rd. Gainesville GA 30504, is overseeing the arrangements. 

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