Jo Anne White

Jo Anne White of San Diego passed away December 5, 2025, at the age of 97. Born in 1928 in Muskogee, Oklahoma to Walter C. and Lyndrel McCoy Yadon, she was the eldest of three children. After graduating from Central High School in Muskogee, she attended the University of Kentucky. Her parents and two brothers predeceased her.

In 1948, she married her high school sweetheart Charles Hamilton White, PhD., and began the adventurous odyssey of their lives, as Charles’ career took them around the country. They were married for 61 years before Charles’ death in 2009. Jo and Charles were lifelong, passionate golfers, and adoptive San Diego State University Aztecs fans after moving to San Diego. They loved all kinds of music, and were patrons and supporters of the San Diego Symphony for many years. Jo was a beautiful, vivacious and charismatic person with a sharp wit and easy laughter. She charmed everyone she met; she was her daughters’ biggest fan.

Survivors include her daughters Cheryl Denardo (John) of North Carolina, Leslie Conner of San Diego, Nancy Passovoy of Washington State, beloved granddaughter Elizabeth Roman Koehler (Geoffrey) and great-grandsons Liam and Charlie Koehler of Virginia, and beloved grandson Josh Roman (Yulia) and great-granddaughter Vitaliya of Long Beach.

No service is planned. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local arts organization.