Farmer, Jo Ann Simpkins
Jo Ann Simpkins Farmer, 75, of Pulaski, passed away Wednesday, December 6, 2006 at Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
Born March 16, 1931 in Radford, she was the daughter of the late William Thomas Simpkins and Ida Mable Simpkins of Radford. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Jackson “Jack” Farmer; sisters, Betty Simpkins DeVilbiss, Louise F. Simpkins and brothers, Thomas J. Simpkins and George H. Simpkins.
JoAnn was a 1950 graduate of Radford High School where she was a talented and energetic cheerleader. She was a member of the Dublin United Methodist Church where she was a devoted volunteer for the Dublin Weekday Religious Education program. She also was a volunteer with the American Red Cross Bloodmobile. She retired from RAAP with over 30 years of service.
Surviving are brother and sister-in-law, Albert H. “Skeeter” Simpkins and Dr. Joyce L. Simpkins, Radford; half sister, Eleanor Sue Simpkins Speed and husband, Harold H. “Sonny” Speed, Christiansburg; half brothers, William W. Simpkins, Radford, Ralph Terry Simpkins, Radford, Robert Lee Simpkins and wife, Beverly, Radford; stepsister, Betty F. Ratcliffe and husband, Bill, Radford; nieces, Debra DeVilbiss Tipton and husband, Dr. Gary Tipton, Mechanicsville, Va., Nancy DeVilbiss Wilson and husband, Dr. Thomas Wilson, Roanoke, Charlotte Keithley, Saluda, Va.; nephew, Dr. Daniel W. DeVilbiss, Jr., Christiansburg, Va.; and many other nieces and nephews; very special friend, Emogene Cullip, Dublin.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, 2 p.m. at the Dublin United Methodist Church with the Rev. Bill Rowland officiating. Entombment will follow at the High Memory Gardens Mausoleum, Dublin. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Bower Funeral Chapel, 1631 Bob White Blvd., Pulaski. Those who desire may make memorial contributions to the Dublin United Methodist Church Building Fund, 424 East Main Street, Dublin, Va. 24084. You may visit www.bowerfuneralhome.com to send online condolences to the family. Bower Funeral Chapel, Pulaski is handling arrangements for the family.