JoAnne O'Neal Via

The skies rejoice as heaven has found a new angel. JoAnne O’Neal Via, 71, of Raleigh, North Carolina, passed away on Friday, December 18, 2020. She transitioned peacefully at home in the loving care of her husband and two children. JoAnne was affectionately called “JoJo” or “Jo” by friends and family.

JoAnne was born in Memphis, Tennessee on January 31, 1949 to Clifton and Magnolia O’Neal (Gardner). She attended Father Bertrand High School and continued on to graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Howard University. She was the proudest of (Howard) Bisons.

JoAnne is survived by her husband, Ronald "Ron" Via, son Brian Via, daughter Lindsay Via, brother Clifton "Poochie" O'Neal Jr., and sister Gloria Jean "GiGi" O'Neal.

JoAnne and Ron met as a freshmen while attending Howard in 1967. They met in an English class. This makes us chuckle because we always called her “The English Teacher”; she had a knack for correcting any grammar or syntax errors within earshot. At Howard, Ron was smitten with the “tiny, cute girl” from Memphis. Jo had an audible southern accent, so Ron decided to break the ice by jokingly asking her if she was from New York. The comment was amusing enough to spark a conversation and begin a beautiful new friendship. The friendship developed over time until the two finally went on their first date. Ron ended up taking Jo to K&W Cafeteria. The price of the meal was just $3.49 but the connection created was priceless.

The rest is history. JoAnne and Ron were married on September 29, 1973. That three dollars and change turned into a lifetime of love, laughs, and memories. After 47 years of marriage and two children, Ron proudly calls it “the best investment” he’s ever made.

Before children, JoAnne was on the path to becoming a thriving businesswoman. She had big aspirations and imagined a career full of great accomplishments but in her typical selfless fashion, she gave it all up for her children. Once she became a mom, she devoted her life to her “sprouts”, then found purpose through becoming the greatest “Household Executive” she could be.

As President and CEO of the Via family, she was the architect who built a beautiful home for her husband and two children. Anyone that walked into her house felt loved by her generous maternal spirit and comforted by the warmth and joy she cultivated. She was caring, inviting and kind to all, but most of all she loved her family “to the moon and back”.

Every time we see the moon, we will think of her.

There was never an instance where JoJo didn’t put others first. She was a small woman, but her heart was large enough to fill a stadium. Gifts were her love language, and Christmas was her favorite time of year because she found so much joy in giving and making others happy.

Every holiday, we will think of her.

JoJo also had a deep passion for dancing and would always dance up a storm when she heard a nice groove. At the sound of a good song she would stop what she was doing and start dancing; shuffling her feet across the floor and snapping her fingers. We will never forget the sound of her house shoes sliding across the floor. Even in her later moments, she would shimmy her shoulders side to side and snap her fingers to Earth Wind & Fire's "September". JoJo was truly one of a kind, a “gem”.

Every time we dance, we will think of her.

Jo loved the rising sun, and at the top of the morning she greeted us with a big hug and a “Good morning, Sunshine”. She enjoyed watching the assortment of beautiful birds that would flutter through our backyard and their songs of joy touched her soul. JoJo loved the fact that no matter what, birds always found a reason to sing. She thought that as humans, we could learn a lot from birds, and she was right. One of her favorites was this itty bitty bluebird that used to zip through our backyard every once in a blue moon. Those were precious moments together, gazing through the back window and looking for that pretty little bird.

Every time we see birds, we will think of her.

JoJo was also madly in love with the beach. Family vacations were always near the ocean and to her this was a necessity. She loved the beach not only because it was beautiful and peaceful, but also because of the vibrant people. She would light up like the Fourth of July when she met someone who was genuinely kind, because she felt as if she had found a kindred spirit. Jo looked to find the good in the world and she always seemed to find it near a beach.

Every time we see the ocean, we will think of her.

JoJo loved flowers, especially tulips and magnolias. She would go on her own adventures, driving around town tirelessly trying to find the most beautiful and fragrant magnolia blossoms to bring home. Even if the journey took hours, she would find her flowers!

Every time we see flowers, we will think of her.

Although she has transitioned, JoJo’s legacy will live on through ALL of us. We will forever sing her praises, calling upon a lifetime of memories and stories that will continue to inspire us. We will laugh until our stomachs hurt, and we will cry until our hearts hurt.

But through us, she will live on.

One of her last wishes was for all of us to stick together as a family, and we will honor that wish. Every accomplishment will be dedicated to her, and every endeavor will be pursued in her honor.

We ask everyone to celebrate JoAnne’s spirit by singing and dancing as if your life depended on it, and continue to keep her alive in your hearts, minds, and souls.

Also, don’t forget to SMILE. JoJo would want that.

She will be loved forever,

"To the moon and back"