Jo Ann Avant Young Harper, 88, went home to be with Jesus on August 8, 2026 while residing at Vista Park in Douglas, Georgia. She was the daughter of the late Lucian Eugene Avant and Thelma Lee Hall Avant. She was the widow of her first love and husband, Arthur “Buddy” Young Jr., and her second husband Alton Harper. She was a homemaker, a devoted employee as a seamstress, and later a supervisor with SWS until they closed their doors. Joann also worked in a restaurant called Dj’s in Broxton, Georgia. She was a culinary enthusiast and enjoyed cooking for her family and friends. She cooked the best dumplings, Brunswick stew, and mini fruit pies.
Jo Ann was preceded in death not only by her parents but also by her sisters, Geraldine Avant Graham of Perry, Georgia, Loretta Avant Jones of Jacksonville, Georgia, Ruth Jones Blizzard of Phoenix City, Alabama, Fanny Jones Gibson of Waycross, Georgia, Betty Avant Jowers of Fitzgerald, Georgia, and Dora Timmerman; Nephew, Gary Wayne Jowers of Broxton, Georgia.
Jo Ann was survived by her two Nephews, Eugene Graham (Vickie) of Perry, Georgia, and Oliver Van Jowers (Jo) of Fitzgerald, Georgia.
A funeral service celebrating Jo Ann’s life will be held at Broxton Church of God located at 1077 W Alabama St, Broxton, Georgia 31519, on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 11:00 AM. A visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the service. The internment will be held at New Bethel Holiness Baptist Church locate at 250 New Bethel Church Rd, Fitzgerald, Georgia 31750. She will be laid to rest beside her first husband, Arther “Buddy” Young.