Jo Ann Whitmire
Jo Ann Hogan Whitmire passed on January 20, 2014, at her home, surrounded by her family, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s.
She was born on Aug. 8, 1939, in New Hope, Tn. (Marion County).
She was preceded in death by her father, John Hogan, and mother, Nannie “Nana” Beatrice Smith Hogan.
Jo Ann was married to Ralph Whitmire Junior on June 16, 1956. They were married over 57 years.
She is survived by her children, Sherry Whitmire Eldridge (Mike), Kim Whitmire Reynolds (Rick) and Robert Whitmire (Lois), her five grandchildren, who she loved greatly, including Michael Eldridge, Will Eldridge, Hogan Whitmire, Marie Whitmire and Brooke Whitmire.
She is also survived by her eight brothers and sisters Frances Brown, Barbara Sue McAllister, Billy Gene Hogan, Linda Yvonne Hughes, Nancy Carol Hamrick, Charles Clinton Hogan, Lisa Kay Dempsey and Kathy Eileen Stevens along with a multitude of nieces and nephews.
With her husband Ralph they started the White Star Cleaners Laundry and Linen business in 1963. After selling White Star in 1989, they continued to operate the Big Ridge Cleaners in Hixson. In 1990 they added the Signal Mountain Boulevard Carriage Cleaners business and the Mountain City Cleaners on Broad Street which they have continued to operate since then.
Jo Ann was a member of the Red Bank Church of Christ.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, Jan. 21, from 3-8 p.m. at the North Chapel of the Chattanooga Funeral Home on Highway 153 North in Hixson.
Funeral services will be on Wednesday, Jan. 22, at 11:30 a.m. at the Red Bank Church of Christ on Dayton Boulevard officiated by Minister Steve Lusk.
Visitation with the family prior to the service will be from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Following the service there will be a brief interment gathering at the Chattanooga Memorial Park Cemetery near the duck pond.
The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to Ronda Swafford and Katlin Crowther who were Jo Ann’s care givers for the past year. Their loving support has been most appreciated.
Arrangements are by the Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist, North Chapel, Highway 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaNorthChapel.com.