Jo Ann Jewell Whisnant Padgette

Jo Ann Jewell Whisnant Padgette, 72, of Morganton, NC ended her earthly journey, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, siblings and a niece, and passed through the Pearly Gates into the arms of her savior, Jesus Christ on Thursday, December 4, 2014. She was born in Burke County, NC on August 17, 1942, daughter of the late Albert Leonard Whisnant and Leola Jewell Branch Whisnant. Jo Ann had been a member of El Bethel Baptist Church since the late 1950's and was a life-long member of the Oak Hill Community.

Jo Ann served faithfully in the Catawba Valley Baptist Association for over 50 years During that time she has always served as an officer for WMU, Mission Friends, Girls in Action(GA's) and during her service held the director's position for each of these offices.

Through her life she was a dutiful servant to her family, extended family, church, community, and anyone who was in need, no matter what the need was. She loved everyone with a Godly love and servants heart. Called by many names, Mama, "Maw-Maw", Great Grandma, Aunt, mother-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, "Avon Lady" and many more. Heaven has an Angel that will shine forever more.

Jo Ann is survived by her children, Dean Padgett, Angie Dreher and her husband, Tom, Chris Padgett and his wife, Kim, and Tony Padgett, all of Morganton; grandchildren, Amber Padgett and T. J. Dreher; great-grandchildren, Gracie Padgett and Mason Beach; a brother, Marshall Whisnant and his wife, Doris; a sister, Jeanette Yancey and her husband, Dennis; a sisters-in-law, Judy Poteet and his husband, Harold; Patsy Shuffler and Margaret Padgette; and a number of nephews and nieces.

In addition to her parents, Jo Ann was preceded in death by her husband, James Richard Padgett; brothers-in-law, Dewey Shuffler, and Johnny Padgette; and sister-in-law, Ruby Queen Padgette.

The funeral will be held at 12:00 p.m., Monday, December 8, 2014 at El Bethel Baptist Church with the Rev. Ron Cooper and the Assistant Pastor Justin Cunningham officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center where the body will remain until placed in the church at 11:00 a.m. Monday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to El Bethel Baptist Church Bus Fund, P.O. Box 2518, Morganton, NC 28680.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.