Jo Harris

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Jo Ann Harris, 75, of Pleasant Hill, Mo., was born, January 2, 1933 in Lone Jack, Mo., the daughter of Hollis R. and Edith L. (Markel) Yates. She entered her heavenly home to live forever in peace with her loved ones who preceded her in death on February 28, 2008 at St. Luke's Hospital-East, Lee's Summit.

On May 16, 1958, Jo Ann was united in marriage to Floyd N. Harris in Miami, OK. He preceded her in death on November 4, 1999.

After graduating as Valedictorian of her class she went to work for the Goppert Bank in Kansas City. Later she worked for COOP in Pleasant Hill for a few years, before returning to the Pleasant Hill Bank; where she retired in 1997 serving more than 30 years in banking.

Jo Ann was a founding member of the Big Creek Baptist Church. She had been a member of the Pleasant Hill 1st Baptist Church over 53 years, serving on numerous committees, including the finance committee and the corporate board, and taught Sunday school there for over 25 years.

She had also been a member of the BPWA, Financial Women's International, a charter member of Cass County Chapter of the ABWA, and the MBA Women's Banker's Conference.

Jo Ann had a great love for music and played over 10 instruments. She loved to sing, and as a young girl sang at many school functions then continued singing in the church choir for many years.

Besides her parents and her husband she was preceded in death by 1 brother Jerald R. Yates & 2 sisters Shirley S. English &Joyce L. Cary.

She is survived by 2 daughters Sandi (Greg) Anderson of Pleasant Hill, and Beth (Carl) Bennett of Lee's Summit; 5 grandchildren Iris, Ian, Holli, Zach, Hunter; 4 great grandchildren Kylee, Jade, Kaleb, Addison; 3 brother's Roy A. (Jen) Yates of Fruita, Co., Robert William (Lou) Yates of Buckner, and Charles R. (Bess) Yates of Independence; 1 sister Lois J. Westerfield of Honolulu, HA; other relatives and friends.

A celebration of Jo Ann's life was held Monday, March 3, 2008, at the Stanley-Dickey Funeral Home. Pastor Todd MacLean officiated. Burial was in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Casket bearers were Keith Beasley, Michael Beasley, David Moorehead, Joe Pickard, Stanley Yates, and Dick Young. Honorary casket bearers were Lois Carson, Beverly Colvin, Gerri Ford, Esther Gooderl, Maxine Jaeger, Terry Kiger, Billie Kimbrell, Juanita King, Cary Loney, Betty Mitchell, Martha Neill, Ruth Netherton, Billie Ragner, Juanita Ripley, Ermil Stowe, Sue Wilkins, Becky Wilson, and Karen Young.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Big Creek Baptist Church and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Jo Ann's life was dedicated to her Lord, family, home and country. She was a strong supporter of all her family and friends who served their country. Her loyalty, unconditional love and nurturing spirit will always be in the hearts of her loved ones. She overcame many challenges in her life and maintained a strong faith in God.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Matt: 5:4