Jo Anne Caldwell's Obituary
Jo Anne Caldwell, age 71, of Austell passed away surrounded by her family on May 2, 2023. Jo Anne was born to William Edward White and Betty Mae Beard White in Atlanta, where she lived until she was 12. Her parents moved the family to Austell, where she spent her teenage years, and she graduated from South Cobb High School.
Jo Anne met the love of her life, Richard George Caldwell, at the Dairy Queen on Fairburn Road. The two married when she was 20. One of their first dates began with George riding up on a motorcycle with a sunflower for her in his hand. Jo Anne continued to love sunflowers and daises for her whole life. She was an avid nature lover and enjoyed gardening, watching and photographing the birds, and spending time on the farm. She also enjoyed spending her time sewing and honing her photography talents.
Jo Anne was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Janie Griffith; and son-in-law, Matt Paine. She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, George Caldwell; daughters, Jennifer McNeely (spouse, Robert) of Dallas, and Ali Caldwell Paine of Douglasville; sisters, Barbara “Chick” Hambrick (spouse, Marion), Rosslyn Walker (spouse, Jimmy), and Jill Bettis (spouse, Wade); grandchildren, Kevin McNeely, David McNeely, Meagan McNeely, and Ryder Paine; and many beloved extended family and friends.
A memorial service honoring Jo Anne’s life will be held Sunday, May 7th, 1:00 PM at Davis-Struempf Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends beforehand from 12:00 to 1:00 PM.
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