Jo-Ann Sarah Harris

She was married to Clayton Wood, who preceded her in death in 1990, had two children, Daniel Wayne Harris and Lillian Ann Wood, and had a brother Joseph Spiegel. Throughout her life, she was a dedicated mother, aunt, sister, friend, teacher, colleague, and grandmother.

Jo-Ann had a storied career as a physician specializing in pediatric infectious diseases, epidemiology, and hospital infection control. She worked primarily at Boston City Hospital/Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts, and at the University of Kansas Health System in Kansas City, Kansas. She concluded her career at Stormont Vail Health in Topeka, Kansas, and Overland Park Regional Hospital in Overland Park, Kansas.

After retiring, she enjoyed volunteering with children in museums and schools, spending time with family and friends, attending symphonies, plays, and art exhibitions, and traveling the world. She spent every summer for nearly 40 years on Martha’s Vineyard, where she developed a deep love of the ocean and where she felt her soul belonged.

A Funeral Service will be held at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131 on August 5, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.