Ms. JoAnne "Jo Jo" Chambers

Born on November 16, 1936, to Sam and Lillian Chambers, Jo Jo grew up in the Heights. She was a proud graduate of Phillis Wheatley High School, Class of 1955, where she focused on piano—an instrument that became both her passion and her calling.

In her early years, Jo Jo played piano for several churches, sharing her gift through music and ministry. Her talent and dedication led her to teach piano to others, inspiring the next generation of musicians with her patience and quiet strength. Driven by a lifelong desire to grow and give, Jo Jo approached life with grace, discipline, and deep love. Jo Jo loved to travel. She traveled both throughout the United States and to Several countries internationally.

Jo Jo also dedicated 45 years of her life to working at Nabisco, where colleagues quickly became extended family. During her time there, she formed lasting connections and made everyone feel seen, respected, and valued. Her strong work ethic and kind spirit left a lasting impression in both her professional and personal life.

Jo Jo was a deeply faithful woman of God. Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she remained devoted to spiritual growth throughout her journey. She furthered her calling by serving on the Pantry Team at Brentwood Church for over ten years, touching countless lives through her compassion, generosity, and humility.

While Jo Jo’s talents as a pianist were extraordinary, her greatest joy was always her family. As a devoted mother to Rosemary (deceased), Ronald, and Alvia, she showed boundless patience, wisdom, and unconditional love. Her role as a grandmother brought her immense happiness, and she cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her children Ronald and Alvia and was preceded in death by her beloved daughter Rosemary. She also leaves behind four grandchildren—Mike, Brandon, Ty’Sheena, and Day’Sha—and eleven great-grandchildren: Nile, Mecca, Wise, Knowledge, Terry, Brayden, Khamree, D’Ari, Torie, Khourey, and D’Avereigh.

Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew her—through the kindness, creativity, and love she shared with everyone she encountered. Jo Jo’s influence on the world, her family, her friends, and her community will never be forgotten.

She was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.