Jo Ann Cole

JoAnn (Kirkland) Cole was born on August 29, 1957, in Port Arthur, Texas to the late Joe and Charlene Kirkland. Due to life’s circumstances, as a child she would reside and attend school in Fort Worth, Texas where she was in the loving care of Reverend Malvin (Dad) and Georgia Brown (Mom), both deceased.

After graduating from R. L. Paschal High School in Fort Worth, Texas. JoAnn would achieve extraordinary success in her collegiate career, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University and a Master of Arts Degree in Human Relations from Amberton University. She later continued, her education by obtaining her license as a Child Care Administrator. JoAnn was also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

JoAnn dedicated her life to service which was exemplified through her career. For thirty-eight years, she was committed to serving and protecting vulnerable children and families in Texas. She retired as Vice-President from Buckner International Children and Family Services on July 21, 2020. She was proud to have made a profound impact and positive difference in the lives of many individuals and families in her community and abroad.

She was honored by her colleagues in 2011 with the Servant Leadership Award and received the Humanitarian Award from the Dallas Metropolitan Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc.

JoAnn was a faithful servant of Jesus Christ and a member of Mount Tabor Missionary Baptist Church where she served as a Deaconess and on other committees.

JoAnn had many interests, and we all know she loved shopping, caring for her home, and family.

JoAnn passed from this life to her heavenly reward with Christ on November 7, 2022, at the age of sixty-five.

She was preceded in death by her parents, nephew Jerome Dorsey, cousin Terry Burrell and great-nephew Ja’lyn Johnson.

JoAnn leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving and devoted husband of thirty-six years, Lavaughn A. Cole; sisters Gwendolyn Johnson and Diann Farah of Fort Worth, Texas; brother George Lee Kirkland of Garland, Texas; sister-in-law Judith Williamson of Battle Creek, Michigan and a host of loving nieces, nephews, extended family and life-long friends.

In lieu of flowers, and in keeping with JoAnn's love of positive youth development and education, donations may be made to:

The Clarence & Ruth Cole Memorial Scholarship

https://bccfoundation.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1232

Battle Creek Community Foundation

32 West Michigan Avenue, Suite 1Battle Creek, Michigan 49017

A visitation for Jo will be held Friday, November 18, 2022, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Laurel Land Funeral Home, 6300 South R.L., Thornton Freeway, Dallas, TX 75232. A celebration of life will occur Saturday, November 19, 2022, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church, 3700 Simpson Stuart, Dallas, TX 75241. A committal service will occur Saturday, November 19, 2022, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Cedar Hill Cemetery, 8301 Mansfield Hwy, Arlington, TX 76001. A reception will occur Saturday, November 19, 2022, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Samaria Baptist Church, 4000 E Berry, Fort Worth, TX 76105.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.laurellanddallas.com for the Cole family.