Jo-Ann was born April 19, 1940 to Charlie and Mamie (Clevenger) Lawson in Knoxville, Tennessee. She worked for Sears as a Merchandise Customer Associate retiring in 2015.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Gina Smothers; her sisters, Caroline Derreberry, Betty Lawson, & Genevieve Lawson.

Survivors include her husband, Carl J Cavallaro, Sr.; her children, Anthony Scott, Carla (Bruce) Mapels, Angela Scott, Carlo (Brandy) Cavallaro; sister-in-law, Grace Randolph; brother-in-laws, Anthony Cavallaro & Joephill Cavallaro; 12 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren.