McCroskey, Jo Ann Clem

Jo Ann Clem McCroskey, 75, of Narrows, was surrounded by her family when she was called home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 31, 2012. She was born in Winchester on February 7, 1936, and was the daughter of the late Edward Lee and Mary Elizabeth Harbarger Clem. In addition to her mother and father, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Dorothy Spicer and Betsy Hodge; and a very special daughter-in-law, Nancy Spadoni McCroskey. A 1956 graduate of Narrows High School, Jo Ann was an avid Narrows Green Wave fan, the founder of the Green and Gold Booster Club, a former member of the Narrows Jaycettes, a longtime member of Christ Episcopal Church in Pearisburg, where she served on the Vestry and as Sunday School teacher. She was very community-oriented, founding the annual Narrows Memorial Day Parade and Program, serving on the Narrows Centennial Committee, and the Narrows Park Commission. She also enjoyed traveling and was loved for the many block parties and gatherings on special occasions. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister, Jo Ann was dearly loved by her family and community. Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 56 years, Luther B. “Jimmy” McCroskey, of Narrows; two sons, Jimmy Joe McCroskey and wife, Anna, of Rich Creek, and Jeff McCroskey of Sarasota, Fla.; a very special sister, Emily “Peaches” Clem, of Narrows; three granddaughters, Jennifer Gilmer and husband Stephen, of Narrows, Desiree Caldwell and husband, Greg, of Ararat, and Kaitlynn McCroskey, of Rich Creek; a very special great-grandson, Trey Gilmer; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous special friends. Funeral Services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, February 4, 2012, at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Narrows with the Rev. Shirley Larson and the Rev. Jason Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg. The family will receive friends at First Christian Church Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. The family requests that those sending memorial contributions, please consider the Leiomyosarcoma research fund at the Winship Cancer Institute; 1762 Clifton Road, Plaza #1000; Atlanta, GA 30322. The family is being served by Riffe’s Funeral Service in Narrows, (540) 726-2442, and online at riffefuneralservice.com.