Jo Ann Martin Gettys

Mrs Jo Ann Martin Gettys, 71, of Ellenboro, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, November 19, 2012.
Jo Ann was born May 9, 1941 in Rutherford County to the late Crawford Miller "Jack" Martin and Dolly Mode Martin, she was also preceded in death by her son, Jeffrey Alan Gettys in 2005. She is survived by her husband Jefferson Gettys; her daughter Connie Gettys Turner and her husband Tommy Scott Turner, of Ellenboro; her grandson, Thomas Gabriel Turner; two sisters, Aileen Martin of Ellenboro, and Betty Jo Martin Brown and her husband Benny, of Marion,NC.
Jo Ann attended Central High School and graduated from Ellenboro High School as Valedictorian in the Class of 1959. She then earned an Associate of Arts Degree from Isothermal Community College and was selected for "Who's Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges." Next, Jo Ann graduated Magna Cum Laude from Western Carolina University with degrees in French and Library of Science.
Jo Ann worked as a librarian at Chase High School for three years and East Rutherford High School for six years. Next she worked as a teacher and librarian with the Department of Defense Dependent Schools at Curunda and Balboa High Schools in the Republic of Panama for seventeen years. She then served as librarian in Ankara, Turkey for one year. Jo Ann retired after two years at Fort Campbell High School in Kentucky. During her college work and teaching career she was presented with several "Certificates of Excellence" for her dedicated and outstanding work with students.
Jo Ann was a member of Big Springs Baptist Church and a former member of the Ellenboro Woman's Club. He hobbies were numerous: arts, crafts, reading, sewing, traveling, growing unusual plants, and listening to music by The Lettermen. Joan delighted in listening to her grandson, Gabriel, play the piano and the violin.
Jo Ann was a generous and giving person, sharing with others her storehouse of ideas, books, magazines, flowers, etc. She was a good listener and would help others in any way she could.
Jo Ann will be missed by family and friends.
A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 pm Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at Big Springs Baptist Church Cemetery. Rev. Paul Scott will officiate.
The Visitation will be from 12:45pm until 1:45 pm on Wednesday in the church fellowship hall.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.
Washburn & Dorsey is in charge of arrangements.