Jo Ann Bledsoe (Roberts)

Jo Ann Roberts Bledsoe passed from this life on Saturday, February 1, 2020 after a long, hard battle with COPD and Alzheimers. She was 89 years old.
She was born in the coal mining camp of Pardee in Wise County, VA on April 27, 1930 to the late Martin and Della Lee Miller Roberts. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Stermell Gilmer Bledsoe; her oldest son, Richard (Rick) Bledsoe; her oldest grandson Cody Bledsoe; her sister and brother in law, Dallas and Hobart Taylor. Jo Ann was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
She is survived by two daughters, Mitzi B. Clark (Dallen), Church Hill, TN and Myra B. Shifflett (Gary), Pounding Mill, VA. One son Randall M. Bledsoe (Randy), Duffield, VA. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Autumn Carter (Adam), Courtney Robinson (Luke), Joshua Shifflett, Paige Hodges (Ethan), Wesley Shifflett and William Bledsoe. “Old Mamaw” is also remembered by her great grandchildren, Marlee and Mary Jane Robinson, Collin, Grayson & Kian Hodges, Andrew Carter, Cody, Chrissy & DeAnne Bledsoe and by her very special caregiver, Barbara Hubbard. Jo Ann dearly loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Jo Ann attended Natural Tunnel School at Natural Tunnel and was always proud to tell you that she walked to and from school as a little girl. She graduated from Rye Cove High School and attended Radford College (University) majoring in education. Jo Ann and Gilmer were married on May 4, 1952 while he was serving in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in San Diego, CA where they started their family. After moving back to Southwest Virginia, Jo Ann began her teaching career at the Mabe School then moved to Rye Cove High School where she taught girls Physical Education and Health Science for many years. While teaching at Rye Cove she was also the cheerleading and tumbling team coach. Jo Ann enjoyed gardening, canning, quilting, bird watching and was a wonderful cook for her family and friends. She attended Natural Tunnel Freewill Baptist Church from her childhood and for many years. Until illness prevented her attendance, she was a faithful member and worker at Red Hill Memorial Church.
Jo Ann and Gilmer enjoyed their retirement by traveling. They visited Israel and the Holy Land 3 times as well as France, Greece, Jordan, Egypt, Hawaii and the Western United States. One of her greatest moments was being baptized in the Jordan River. For many years Jo Ann and Gilmer sang gospel music throughout Southwest Virginia and East Tennessee. They, along with her sister Dallas Taylor and long-time friend and neighbor Inez Bishop, formed the Old Timers Quartet. They were also part of the TruWay Trio and TruWay Quartet. They thoroughly enjoyed spreading the gospel through song.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Gate City Funeral Home.
Her funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. in the Gene Falin Memorial Chapel of the funeral home with Brother Garry Hood officiating. A graveside service will follow the funeral at Holston View Cemetery. Sons-in-law and grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
The family would like to than Jo Ann’s caregivers for their kind and compassionate care for her, Barbara Hubbard, Anita Mullins and her niece Teresa Rhoton. We also want to thank Caris Hospice for their wonderful care of Jo Ann the last few months.

All of her memories have been restored, she is breathing easy and is reunited with her soul mate. Jo Ann will always be remembered as a lady who loved to talk, laugh and have a good time. She always had a smile on her face.
An online guest register is available for the Bledsoe family at www.gatecityfunerals.com.
Gate City Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Jo Ann Roberts Bledsoe.