Jo Ann Summers beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, passed away April 20, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She was a radiant light in the lives of so many – always ready with a warm smile, a listening ear, and a welcoming heart.
Jo Ann loved to travel and enjoyed many trips to her favorite place in Hawaii with her husband Jeff, many times taking along her children and grandchildren with her. She had a passion for bringing people together and found great joy in entertaining. Whether hosting gatherings for loved ones or making new friends feel at home, she created spaces filled with laughter, love, and connection. She was an excellent cook and took great care in sharing not only her own recipes, but those cherished dishes that were handed down by the family. She even created cookbooks for her family so they could carry on one of the traditions she held dear.
She was a gifted seamstress and crocheter, Jo Ann used her hands to bring beauty and comfort into the lives of others. From hand-sewn clothes to stunning blankets and delicate doilies and tablecloths, her creations were heartfelt expressions of her creativity and care.
Her deep faith was the cornerstone of her life. A devoted member of her church and active participant at the senior center, Jo Ann lived out her values with compassion and grace. Her commitment to social justice extended far beyond her community, as she supported causes around the world with a generous and steadfast spirit.
Jo Ann’s legacy of love, faith, and service will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be deeply missed.
She was preceded in death by her father Edward R Self, mother Pauline W Self, and sister Marilyn S Parham.
She is survived by her loving husband Jeffrey A Summers, daughter Gina Ruffner (Amy Van Pelt) and their children Christopher and Tyler, daughter Deana Hudson (William Hudson) and their children Kelsie Akins (Will Akins), Mackenzie Hudson, and Will Hudson, daughter Karen Midgett and her children Laura and Steven, and daughter Melanie Huffines (Lyndsey Huffines) and their children Austin and Carson. She is also survived by 6 great grandchildren – Grant, Kohien, Kaiden, Maverick, Kassidy, and her namesake Miya Jo.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/nashville-tn
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to The National Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.
For more obituaries visit https://davidsoncountysource.com/obituaries/
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