Jo Anne Watson
4/3/1942 - 11/21/2019
A self-described ‘tough old broad’ had a long-awaited reunion with her sons, Michael and Mark, on November 21,2019.
Jo Anne Watson, 77, of Indianapolis, Indiana was born to Hallie O. and Jessie I. (Derment) Wharton on April 3,1942 in Lafayette, Indiana. Jo attended George Washington High School in Indianapolis, where she graduated 2 years early.
Jo will live on in the memories of many people and is best known for reminding people that she had a disease called ‘CRS’ (Can’t Remember Shit). Those closest to her can attest to the true nature of that statement. Despite her CRS, her long-term memory and storytelling were stellar. She loved to tell stories about her children, grandchildren, and vacations she had taken with close friends.
Her heart was huge, especially for her family and for non-humans. She loved dogs (especially her precious Demitri, a Bassett hound, and Gussie, a small terrier with ‘big dog syndrome’. Both were her constant companions during very troubled times). She was often quoted as saying that she loved animals more than most people - a statement that her family believes was only partly in jest.
Jo was an avid crafter and accomplished seamstress. She loved to crochet, cross stitch, and craft jewelry. She was once a voracious reader who enjoyed acquiring and collecting books. When she wasn’t engaged in her hobbies, she worked in the accounting department of Universal Flavors (now Sensient) for 23 years. After her retirement in 2007, she enjoyed working at the pet hotel in PetSmart where she was lovingly referred to as ‘Grandma Jo’.
Jo is survived by her life partner of 42 years, Joyce Guinnup, her children, Kirk (Tony) Watson, Dianne Geibel (Bruce), April (Kris) Warman (Robert), Jeff Watson, Heather Landis (Anthony), Eric Myers, Kelly Wycoff (Tom), and Jen Prince (Belinda). Jo is also survived by several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. She is preceded by her sons Michael Joseph and Mark David, stepson Michael Eugene, daughter-in-law Carol Watson, and grandsons Donald Christopher and Justin Christopher.
A celebration of Jo’s life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local animal shelter in Jo’s memory.