Jo Ann Jay Puckett, age 83, of Aliceville, died at home on Friday, October 23rd under the care of Encompass Hospice, family, close friends, and longtime assistants. Services will be held on Monday, October 26 at 2:00 at Pilgrim’s Rest Cemetery, in Sapps, Pickens County, Alabama.
Officiating will be her pastor, Rev. Charlie Wilson of Aliceville First Baptist Church and Associate Pastor, Rev. Larry Potts. Service and burial will be directed by Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home South.
Jo Ann was preceded in death by her son, William Robert Puckett, Jr., her parents, Lloyd and Margaret Jay, and her sister, Renna Faye Jay.
Survivors include her husband William Robert Puckett, Sr., her daughter, Ann Jay Harrison (Mike), and grandchildren, Michael Harrison, Lloyd Jay Harrison, Dylan Puckett, and Cole Puckett.
Most of Jo Ann’s life was lived in Aliceville where she graduated from Aliceville High School and served as a majorette in the high school band. Her father Lloyd Jay began Jay Furniture Company in Aliceville in 1954 and operated it until 1986 when he retired and sold the company to Jo Ann and Robert. She also owned and operated Jo Ann’s Dress Shop there. She was a long time member of the Aliceville First Baptist Church and sang for many years in their choir.
Before returning to Aliceville, they lived in Birmingham and Jo Ann was active in Junior League and Women’s Federated Clubs. She also served as Fine Arts Chairman with the Junior Clubs of Alabama during that time.
After high school, Jo Ann continued voice training at Mississippi University for Women. She was well known for her beautiful voice and over many years sang for her church and many groups in meetings and programs for special occasions. In her teen years she auditioned in a talent show at the television station in Meridian, Mississippi. After years of throat and voice problems, she had to give up one of the great joys of her life.
Pallbearers will be Mike Harrison, Tim Gates, John Cameron, Charles Kite, Shane Pike and Brad Kite.
The family extends their thanks and appreciation to all who have helped, prayed and stayed beside them during these past months. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to the Pilgrim’s Rest Cemetery, % of Mrs. Lois Bruce, 4100 Sapps Road, Carrollton, AL 35447.