Jo Ann Edwards Laxton

Jo Ann Edwards Laxton died on Wednesday, May 13, 2015, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born in Port Sulphur, LA on October 20, 1955. She was a 1973 graduate of Comeaux High School in Lafayette, LA and earned an associate degree at Tulane University in New Orleans, LA. For the past twenty years, she served as Human Resources Manager at Baptist Community Ministries in New Orleans where she was named Employee of the Year. She was a Certified Human Resource Professional and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was predeceased by her parents, Oliver Edwards and Robbie Jean Adkins Edwards of Noble, LA and two siblings, Michael Anderson Edwards of New Iberia, LA, and Sharon Elaine Edwards of Lafayette, LA. Jo Ann is survived by her husband, Mike Laxton of LaPlace, LA; her son Brandon James Fonetenot and daughter-in-law Courtney Fontenot of Lafayette, LA; step-son Dustin Michael Laxton and his wife Lauren Laxton of Metairie, LA; and two grandchildren, Emma Grace and Ethan Joseph Fontenot of Lafayette, LA and a step-grandson, Oliver Mason Laxton of Metairie, LA. Jo is also survived by siblings Robert Edwards and wife, Sally Edwards of Arkadelphia, AR; Mary Lou Larsaingue and husband, Max Larseingue of Waco,TX; Carolyn Alleman and husband, Rod Alleman of Mire, LA; James Edwards and wife, Terri Edwards of Lafayette, LA; and Douglas Edwards of Arkadelphia, AR; and numerous nieces and nephews, as well brother-in-law David Laxton and wife, Betty Laxton of Baton Rouge, LA. Jo Ann was a loving, vibrant, caring and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. She will be missed by all who knew, worked with and loved her. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2015, at the First Baptist Church, 5100 Cameron St., Scott, LA, at 2 p.m. where she was baptized. Officiating is Chaplain Jim Hightower, a long time friend who worked with Jo at BCM for many years. In lieu of flowers Jo has requested that donations be made to Nursing Specialties Hospice, 1025 Camelia Blvd., Suite 201, Lafayette, LA 70508.