Ruth Jo Ann Knowis, 80, of Lewisburg, Tennessee, died Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at NHC Oakwood.
Jo Ann was born June 19, 1944, in Lewisburg, Tennessee, to the late Rufus and Lorene Davis Knowis. She was also preceded in death by first cousins, Bobbie Davis and Madeline Jarrett both of Columbia, Tennessee, and Shirley Ann Corder of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Jo Ann loved her parents, her family, her friends and her Lord and Savior. She was a member of the Farmington Church of Christ. She was a devoted Christian who was gifted with a beautiful voice which she used in praising God in Worship at church and at Gospel singings.
The Diana Gospel Singing in Diana, Tennessee, was a yearly highlight for Jo Ann. She would sing past midnight until a final prayer was led and the singers called it a night. Jo Ann sang at Diana until her health declined and she no longer had the stamina to continue. One of God’s singers has gone home.
Her vocal abilities and range were warm and outstanding. She actually could sing soprano, alto, tenor or bass. Jo Ann sang professionally in her younger years, singing lead in local bands. Her favorite genres included Easy Listening, Gospel and Country. She typically sang alto/tenor in a cappella gospel group
Jo Ann loved and cared for several adopted dogs during her life. She said it brought her joy knowing that her last two dogs would be loved and cared for together in their new adopted home.
One of her favorite scriptures was Psalm 46:10. “Be still and know that I am God.” She kept this verse on her window sill at Maury Regional Hospital and at Oakwood.
She is survived by first cousins, Clyde W. Lee of Henderson, Nevada; Joyce Lee Hester of Cleveland, Tennessee; Eddie Lee of Woodbury, Tennessee; Vickie Lee Hill of Smyrna, Tennessee.
She had a heart of gold and helped many family and friends throughout the years. She will be deeply missed by her family and lifelong friends.
The family will announce services at a later date.
The family would especially like to thank Marty Sharpe, Ann Mehlenbacher and Ralphine Derryberry for the care and love they showed Jo Ann in her last days. The family truly appreciates your kindness and help.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Farmington Church of Christ, Church Street Church of Christ, Marshall County Animal Shelter or Animal Rescue Assistance Team of Tennessee.
London Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to assist the family with arrangements.
