Jo Ann Davidson

Jo Ann was born on September 28, 1927, in Fort Wayne, Indiana to the late Ralph Sr. and Bernice Benington. In addition to her parents, Jo Ann was preceded in death by her husband John; daughter Julie; grandson Alexander Enslen; and brothers Ralph, John, and Clark Benington.

Jo Ann was a member of the staff of both the Findlay and Ohio Chambers of Commerce. After 22 years at the Ohio Chamber, she retired as Vice President of Special Programs.

Jo Ann dedicated much of her life to public service. She capped a 20-year career as a state legislator by serving as Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives from 1995 through 2000. During her time in the legislature, she also held the positions of Minority Whip and Minority Leader. Prior to running for state office, Jo Ann served as a member of Reynoldsburg City Council and Truro Township Clerk. She chaired the Franklin County Republican Central Committee for more than 20 years. At the national level, Jo Ann was elected Co-Chairman of the Republican National Committee and served in that capacity from 2005 through 2008.

Jo Ann was named Public Official of the Year by Governing Magazine, Legislator of the Year by the National Republican Legislator’s Association, received Good Housekeeping’s Award for Women in Government, was inducted into the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame, and recognized as a YWCA Woman of Achievement.

Jo Ann was appointed to the Boards of Trustees of The Ohio State University, the University of Findlay, and Franklin University. She also served as a member of the Board of Directors of Western and Southern Financial Group, the Capitol Square Foundation and the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board. She was the first chairman of the Ohio Casino Control Commission. Jo Ann received honorary degrees from The Ohio State University, Ohio University, Franklin University, Capital University, the University of Findlay, and Cleveland State University.

The professional and personal achievement Jo Ann was most proud of was The Jo Ann Davidson Ohio Leadership Institute, an eight-month program created to encourage and train women in business and civic leadership to assume more prominent roles, either elected or appointed, in government and the Republican Party. Under her leadership, the Institute graduated more than 400 women.

Jo Ann is survived by her daughter Jenifer Enslen; grandson Maxwell Enslen, grandson Taylor Huelsman; and granddaughter Emily Enslen, who will remember her wisdom, generosity, and unconditional love.

Speaker Davidson’s casket will be Lying in State in the Rotunda from 10am to 2pm on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at the Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, Ohio 43215, with a Funeral Service directly following from 2pm to 3pm in the Atrium. We will be Live Streaming the event for people who are unable to attend in person at https://ohiochannel.org/live/special-events-2

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Jo Ann Davidson Scholarship Fund - 661605 at The Ohio State University, University Square North, 14 E. 15th Ave., Columbus, OH 43201, the John R. and Jo Ann Davidson Scholarship Fund at the University of Findlay, 1000 N. Main St., Findlay, OH 45840, or the Jo Ann Davidson Public Administration Leadership Scholarship Fund at Franklin University, 201 S. Grant Ave., Columbus, OH 43215. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share memories and condolences. Funeral arrangements entrusted to SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST.