Jo Ann Coates

Jo Ann was born in Alliance, Ohio on March 15, 1951 to Erma M. (Reese) and Richard E. McCracken. She grew up in a loving home and graduated from West Branch High School in 1969. She attended college at Kent State University.

After finishing her education, Jo Ann went on to pursue a career in Executive Administration. She was a talented and dedicated professional, respected and admired by her colleagues. She finished her career at Community College of Beaver County, having made a significant impact on students’ lives during her tenure.

In 1969, Jo Ann met the love of her life, Joe Coates, while working at Miller Airport. They were married in 1974 and shared a beautiful life together for over 50 years. They raised a family of two children, Amy and Bethany, who were the light of their lives.

Jo Ann was a kind, compassionate, and selfless person who always put the needs of others before her own. She was always there for her family and friends, offering love, support, and a hug when needed.

She enjoyed a wide range of hobbies and interests. Jo Ann loved reading, traveling, and spending time with her family, especially her two granddaughters. She shared her husband’s love of animals and together adopted numerous strays during their time together. She was also quite the amateur genealogist as her future sons-in-law would find out.

Jo Ann will be deeply missed by her loving family and friends. She will be remembered for her unwavering love, her dedication to and support for others, and her strength of spirit.

Jo Ann was preceded in death by her husband Joe, and two brothers, Charles and Ronald. She is survived by her daughter Amy and her husband Corey Callihan of South Riding, VA, her daughter Bethany and her husband Michael Loll and their two children Amelia and Charlotte of Crofton, MD; siblings, Jeannie and her husband Mike Lee, Jerry McCracken and his wife Sonya, Jim McCracken and his wife Tonya; and many extended family members and friends.

Her wishes for cremation are being honored. Family and friends will be received Friday, November 15, 2024 from 10:30- 11:00 AM with a memorial service celebrated by Chaplain Bill Wisniewski at 11:00 AM at the Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home, 703 E. Main St., Ravenna.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jo Ann’s name to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Rd, Aliquippa, PA, 15001. Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com