Jo Ann Thigpen Lawrence Keller was born in Waskom, Texas to the late Jodi James and Vinnes Jane Courville Thigpen. She retired from AT & T and thereafter, put herself through nursing school. She later retired from the Willis-Knighton Health System, but her family was her greatest accomplishment.
Jo Ann was a fierce and loyal spouse, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, family member and friend. She had such a colorful personality and was never at a loss for words. She was never afraid of sharing her opinion; if it was on the tip of her tongue, you heard it. There was no color too bright and no jewelry too gaudy. She always looked forward to celebrating the accomplishments of her family and friends and loved attending parties in their honor. Jo Ann was proud of her Cajun heritage and celebrated holidays in the Cajun Spirit, even though she was nearly a lifelong resident of Shreveport, La. She will be deeply missed, but Heaven now has a true character. She went to her heavenly home on Monday, May 1, 2023 at the age of 81.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Jodie Gail Lawrence Ross; son, Howard Lyn Lawrence, Jr., sister, Kathleen “Sis” Agnes Thigpen Boyd; grandchildren, Amy Elizabeth Ross, Kimberly Rachėl Ross Aker and Spouse, Floyd, Jessica Michelle Ross Wolverton and Spouse, Stephen, Peyton Lyndsey Lawrence Bowers and Spouse, Scott, Harrison Luke Lawrence and LauraLeigh Lawrence; great grandchildren, Cavan, Charleigh, Floyd, Harlan and Cooper; and Scott Gregory Drach, whom she considered her “Other Son”, who practically grew up with her family, since he was 8 years of age. As well as several Nieces, Nephews, and their children.
She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Howard Lynwood Lawrence, Sr.; second husband, Charles Robert Keller; and brothers, Richard Louis Thigpen and Earl Johnnie Thigpen, Sr.
A private service will be held for the family to celebrate her life.
We would like to thank the nurses and staff of Old Brownlee Community Care Center and Bristol Hospice for their care, compassion, and support.
