Jo Ann Walters
Jo Ann Walters, affectionately known as “JoJo,” passed away peacefully at home with family at her side on September 2, 2024.
She was born during the Great Depression in Adel, Iowa, on Oct. 18, 1936, to a teacher mother, Thelma Hol Pike, and Deputy Sheriff father, Walter Pike. Jo had a younger brother, Jerry Pike, who was a Civil Servant in the Navy. Like many of her generation, she experienced incredible poverty, which she detailed in her 2024 book, “Bitter Sweet” (available on Amazon). In it, she described her life from a very early age to womanhood and how extreme poverty affected her and her family. She was immensely proud of writing this book, and her family and friends shared in that pride.
Jo grew up in Adel until she was 18, then moved to Des Moines, Ia., to pursue a degree in teaching. She attended Drake University, where she achieved a bachelor’s degree in education. In the early 1980s, she achieved a master’s degree in education from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga.
Jo met Robert Walters at Drake University in 1953, and they dated for five years before marrying on June 21, 1958. They were married for 60 years until Bob’s passing in 2019. After retiring in 1995, they built a house, on the lakefront in Rockwood, Tn., where they lived for 14 years. They considered Rockwood their true home, made many friends, and were active members of the Rockwood First Christian Church. Bob and Jo will be buried together in Rockwood.
Jo was a dedicated teacher for 37 years from 1958 until she her retirement in 1995. She taught at small schools in Adel, IA, for a decade. The majority of her teaching career was in Chattanooga, where she moved with her family in 1976. Jo taught at Pine Breeze School for seven years, Kirkman Technical for 12 years until it closed, and finally City High for two years before retiring. Teaching was Jo’s passion, and her students meant everything to her.
Jo was incredibly active throughout her life. She was a voracious reader, often reading multiple books simultaneously. She loved painting and created many pieces of art. Jo and Bob loved to travel and had visited 91 countries by the time Bob passed away in 2019. She was an avid gardener and, after moving to a condo, created a massive container garden with more than 20 plants. The more dirt under her fingernails, the better. Jo was a staunch supporter of women’s rights and served as president of the Chattanooga League of Women Voters for a decade in the 1980s and 90s, hosting countless “Meet the Candidate” debates. She loved politics and enjoyed debating current topics, often taking the opposing side for the sake of discussion. Jo was vibrant and full of life until the end.
She is survived by her three children: Eric Walters (Renee) of Ringgold; Lark Walters of Chattanooga; and Andrew Walters of New York, NY. She is also survived by her two grandchildren, Andrew Walters and Kaitlyn Walters, and her two great-grandchildren Lauryn and Landen. Additionally, she leaves behind her niece, Shellie (Pike) Rutherford, great-niece Christina, and nephew, Travis Pike.
A celebration of her life will be held on Oct. 18, in Chattanooga, with invitations forthcoming. Save the date! Jo insisted on no funeral but a huge party with an open bar, where everyone she knew would share stories about her and laugh, not cry. That is so JoJo.
Arrangements are entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, Tn. 37415, 423 877-3524, lanefh.com.