JoAnn "Jo" Cornelius Stone

JoAnn Cornelius Stone, known as Jo by her family and friends, passed away on November 20th, 2025, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. Her last moments were spent peacefully surrounded by family. She was mother to Michael Vance Stone of Kannapolis, NC (wife, Pamela Stone), grandmother to Justin Vance Stone of Monterey, CA (wife, Rylie Stone), and great-grandmother to Lucy, Olivia, and Benjamin Stone.

Born Nancy JoAnn Cornelius on 3 August 1937 in Catawba County North Carolina, Jo was raised in a loving household by her aunt and uncle, Merle & F.P. Troutman. She had five siblings: Betty Jean Young, Frances Cornelius Caldwell, Roy Troutman, Dennis Troutman, and Joe Troutman. Family was important to Jo, and she cherished her relationships with siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jo graduated from North Mecklenburg High School in June 1955. Soon after graduation, she began a 32-year career with Southern Bell, working in data processing and later holding supervisory roles. On 11 April 1958, she married the love of her life: William “Billy” Vance Stone. The ceremony took place at Williams Memorial Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC.

She was a strong and independent woman with a heart of gold, dedicated to her faith, and loved her family with her whole heart and being. Jo developed many close friendships over years working for Southern Bell and attending Garden Memorial Presbyterian Church. Her favorite things were family, hot summer days, spending time at the beach, being active in her son’s life, and her retirement years before Billy passed. Though she will be deeply missed by all who knew her, we rejoice in knowing that she is in heaven, with her memory restored, and reunited with her beloved husband Billy.

The Stone family would like to give a special word of thanks to The Pines at Davidson and VIA Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region for the support, exceptional kindness, patience, and dedication given to Jo during her final days. Thank You.

A visitation and funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 in the chapel of McEwen Funerals & Cremations at Forest Lawn West, 4601 Freedom Dr, Charlotte, NC. Visitation 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am. Burial in Forest Lawn West Cemetery. Condolences may be submitted at www.forestlawnwest.com

Memorials may be given in JoAnn's honor at www.viagiving.org/honor-someone-special, VIA Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 7845 Little Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28226.