Jo Anne Holtzclaw

October 29, 1941 – June 23, 2025

Jo Anne Holtzclaw, beloved wife, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2025, at Alexander Cohen Hospice House in Hughson, California, following a brief illness.

Born in Modesto, California on October 29, 1941, Jo Anne grew up in Newman and graduated from Orestimba High School in 1959. A spirited and outgoing young woman with a sharp sense of humor, she was known for the playful pranks she loved to pull on her younger sister. Jo Anne had a lifelong passion for music, playing the glockenspiel in the high school band and studying piano and organ from an early age. Her musical talent and faith came together when she became the organist for St. James Lutheran Church in Newman.

Jo Anne went on to attend Modesto Junior College and began a long and fulfilling career with the Stanislaus County Assessor’s Office, where she worked for 26 years. It was there she met the love of her life, Paul Holtzclaw, a building contractor. They married in 1987 and soon after started a business together—Precision Inspections—providing building inspections for banks and traveling throughout California.

A devoted member of Grace Lutheran Church in Modesto, Jo Anne sang in the choir and supported the church's music ministry. She had many passions: she was an avid San Francisco 49ers and Giants fan, an enthusiastic golfer who proudly scored two holes-in-one in recent years, and a lover of classic cars. Alongside Paul, she participated in numerous car shows, especially proud of their award-winning 1956 red and white Chevy and, more recently, their 1960 red Ford Starliner, which earned Best of Show at the 2024 Graffiti Car Show.

Jo Anne also loved to travel, particularly in her RV with Paul, her sister Jeanne, and brother-in-law Tom. While she did not have children of her own, she shared a profoundly close bond with her nephew Mark Ferriera, whom she lovingly called her own. Their relationship was one of unconditional love and mutual devotion.

Jo Anne was preceded in death by her parents, Duilio and Jennie Pierini. She is survived by her husband, Paul Holtzclaw; stepson Tyler Holtzclaw; sister Jeanne Hardin (Tom); nephew Mark Ferriera (Courtney); great-nephew Kaleb Ferriera and great-niece Jenna Ferriera. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Dean Holtzclaw (Bonnie) of Hughson, as well as many other nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Special thanks are extended to Bonnie, whose medical expertise and compassionate care were a comfort to Jo Anne in her final days.

Private services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the music ministry at Grace Lutheran Church in Modesto, California, in Jo Anne’s memory.