Jo Ann Steele Woodyard
Jo Ann Steele Woodyard, 88, of Rising Fawn, GA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 1, 2024.
Mrs. Woodyard was a member of Rising Fawn Baptist Church for more than 75 years and loved praising and serving her Savior through singing. She had a deep love for children and the crown jewels of her life were her grandchildren. Having a love for animals, she always kept food and water in her car to feed animals that were lost or abandoned along the way. As a founding member of the South Dade Community Center in Rising Fawn, she dedicated countless hours of service for over 30 years as a volunteer. Jo Ann retired from the Department of Family & Children’s Services following 20 years of service.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Owen Woodyard, Jr., parents, Carl V. and Dalpha Riddle Steele, and siblings, Nioma McMahan, Ronald, Carl, and David Steele, and Nancy Sisk.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Roger (Gloria) Woodyard and Judy (Steve) Woodyard Paynter; grandchildren, Laura (Andrew) Paynter Hill, Jordan (Emma) Paynter, and Emily Paynter; great-grandchildren, Judson and Harrison Hill, Luke, Graham, Henry, and Eloise Paynter.
A special thank you is extended to the staff of Dade Health & Rehab for the wonderful care given for the past four years. You may share online condolences at ryanfuneralhome.net.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Tommy Crider officiating. Mrs. Woodyard will be laid to rest at Hanna Cemetery in Rising Fawn.
The family will receive friends on Friday, August 16, from 3-8 p.m. and on Saturday, August 17, from 10 a.m. until the funeral hour at Ryan Funeral Home & Crematory, Trenton, GA.