JoAnn Stephens

Josephine Ann Little was born on October 19, 1934, to Judge William Cecil Little, Sr. and Ann Josephine Godley Little in Brunswick, Georgia. She spent her childhood both in Brunswick and on St. Simons Island, with older brothers William Cecil Jr. “Boosie” and Wilbert Nathaniel “Bill”. Their wildly adventurous childhoods resulted in many beloved family stories, including the time her brother Bill’s pet monkey was arrested for breaking into a nearby hotel; hiding in the sand dunes of St. Simons Island to watch live fire practices during World War II; and waiting until the causeway was underwater to leave the island during hurricanes.

As a young woman, JoAnn volunteered as a hospital candy striper, a Red Cross Gray Lady, and at The Fresh Air Home on Tybee Island. She attended Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia, graduating in 1956 with a degree in Sociology. She then worked as a librarian for the Savannah Library System, and as a legal secretary for her brother Bill’s law firm.

JoAnn married James “Jim” Stephens on December 19, 1959, at Epworth by the Sea on St. Simons Island. They were happily married for 64 years, and raised three daughters in Decatur, Georgia. During this time, she volunteered at Egleston Children's Hospital and was heavily involved with the DeKalb Humane Society. She was never able to turn away an animal in need, resulting in the family fostering and adopting a wide array of animals. The diverse cast of characters that called their house home over the years included a cockatiel who sang all but the last syllable of “Pop Goes the Weasel”, and an “imaginary” dog. She also loved making and collecting dolls, and raising African Violets. She was responsible for the Worship Center for her Sunday School class at North Decatur United Methodist Church for several decades.

JoAnn is survived by her husband of 64 years, Jim, and daughters Ann Stephens, Carolyn Hitchcock (Bill), and Linda Dahlgren (Bryon); grandchildren Kaitlin Hitchcock, Brandon Hitchcock (Lexie), Matthew Hitchcock, Tiffani Hitchcock, Amanda Dahlgren, and Emily “Sky” Dahlgren; and great-grandchildren Shealeigh Stepho and Henry Hitchcock. She was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Josephine, and brothers, Boosie and Bill.

JoAnn will be deeply missed, but will live on through the wonderful stories of her life that are sure to be passed down for generations to come. She will be remembered by her husband, Jim, for her smile that lit up the room whenever they were together.

A visitation will be held at Floral Hills Funeral Home at 3150 Lawrenceville Hwy, Tucker, Georgia, on Saturday, March 30, 2024 from 12pm-2pm, with a chapel service at 2pm, and graveside service to follow.

Jo will be laid to rest in Floral Hills Memory Gardens, 3000 Lawrenceville Hwy, Tucker, GA 30084.

Donations in JoAnn's honor can be made to the humane society or animal rescue of your choice.