Ms. Jo Ann Batton-Norwood

April 16, 1945 - March 17, 2022

I was born on April 16, 1945 to the late Walter and Mineola Lonie Batton in Jackson, Mississippi. I was raised by my grandmother, the late Pearlie Lonie along with a cousin/brother, the late Wilbert Holmes. At an early age, I joined Mt. Elam Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Reverend R. L. T. Smith, who taught me valuable life lessons, both spiritually and naturally. As a faithful member of Mt. Elam, I remained a faithful member until my health failed. From a child to an adult I was a member of various Church Auxiliaries including the Usher Board, Bible Class, Choirs, Sunday School (Secretary), Women Missionary Society, Pastor's Aide, Hospitality and Kitchen Committees. Throughout my adult life I cherished my childhood upbringing. I never forgot my mother and grandmother's work ethics and their love for Mt. Elam Missionary Baptist Church. We walked to the church carrying water, food and other supplies to serve the body of Christ. Maintaining and cleaning the church was a labor of love for our family. I learned to make homemade cakes with sifted flour from my mother, who was a great cook. Our home was opened to many as Sunday dinner was frequently hosted. My youth memories were very precious to me, which included going to the branch to wash clothes, bringing fresh spring water back to the house for cooking and cleaning. Throughout my life, I cherished the joyous and daily conversations with my favorite Aunt, the late Curitisscene Johnson Lonie and my sister, the late Christell Newsone. My education began at Sweet Water Elementary School on the grounds of Mt. Elam Missionary Baptist Church and continued at Sweet Rest Church School through eighth grade. In 1963, I graduated from Carter High School in Brandon, Mississippi. After many years of working and enjoying taking care of the residents in building 48, I retired from Mississippi State Hospital (Whitfield) in 2004 where I worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant. In 1975, I married John Earl Norwood. On March 17, 2022 at 8:00 P.M., I answered the call from my Heavenly Father at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi. My son, Kermit J. Norwood preceded me in death. I leave to cherish my precious memories my loving and dedicated daughter, Kymberly A. Batton; 3 dedicated sons - Brice O. Batton, Aaron T. Norwood and Tracy T. Norwood; a lovely granddaughter, Gabrielle L. Batton; 3 precious grandsons - Corey A. Rogers, Sr., Laraun R. Rogers and Julian A. Chambers; 3 beautiful great-granddaughters - Korie M. Rogers, Khyilyee M. Robinson and Cali Rogers; 1 great-grandson, Corey A. Rogers, Jr.; my sweet loving sister, Annie E. Porter; 2 amazing nieces - LaFondra (James) Kenney of Meridian, Mississippi and Joyce (Jerry) Pernell of Harbor City, California; a wonderful nephew, Gerald (Sheri) Newsone, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi; 4 great nephews, 3 great nieces and 4 special daughters - Cheryl (Lesley) Clark of Lithonia, Georgia, Ashley R. Robinson, Sheronda Morris and TaHannah Brown, all of Mississippi. Eight step- daughters and eight step- sons. An elder cousin, Mr. Jessie Wells of Pearl, Mississippi and a host of cousins and friends.