Jo Ann Young Walden passed away of natural causes at home with her family by her side on Saturday, September 26, 2026. She was 95 years old.
Jo Ann was born on March 22, 1931, an only child to Asa and Elizabeth Young in Talladega, Alabama. She asked Jesus to be her Savior at 6 years old at the alter of FUMC in Talladega. She was a cheerleader in high school and attended Huntingdon College after graduation. She met her love, John E. Walden, Jr. (Egie), in college and they married in September of 1951. They resided in Dothan, Alabama where Jo Ann worked at First National Bank downtown for many years. They were members of FUMC where she enjoyed Sunday School. Jo Ann was also an avid gardener.
In October of 1967, Jo Ann became a Momma when they adopted Anne Elizabeth. She was a very devoted and loving mother who volunteered to help with all of Anne’s activities, including leading Brownies and Girl Scouts, as well as substituting at Houston Academy, where Anne attended school. Jo Ann was over the moon when her grandchildren arrived and loved every single moment she shared with them. Later, her four great-grandchildren were the icing on the cake.
Jo Ann was able to check off a few things off of her bucket list. She took a trip down the Rhine River and travelled to Paris as well as London. She went parasailing at Panama City Beach and travelled to Hawaii and Alaska.
In her later years, Jo Ann enjoyed living on Lake Caroline in Madison, Mississippi with her favorite canine companion, Joey, and golf cart and boat rides were among her favorite pastimes, and the Hallmark Channel was always on.
Jo Ann will be remembered for many things, but mostly for the sweet love she gave to all. She was a Southern lady to the core and everyone just loved being around her. She was fun, outspoken, and her family says she was a little bit spicy! She truly enjoyed helping anyone, especially if they were down on their luck or needed something.
According to her family, they will never enjoy roast and gravy or pound cake again because no one could ever cook them like Nanny. She will truly be missed.
Jo Ann is survived by her daughter, Anne Elizabeth Register (Rick); her grandchildren, Allen Register, Haley Hancock (Kyle), and Katlyn Jackson (Ashley); her great-grandchildren, Banks Hancock, Briggs Hancock, Millie Kate Jackson, and Charleigh Jackson.
Graveside services will be held at 10 AM, Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at Dothan City Cemetery with Brother Mike Coe officiating and Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to First United Methodist Church, 1380 West Main Street, Dothan, Alabama 36301 or Pax Hospice 359 Towne Center Blvd, Suite 500, Ridgeland, MS 39157.
