JoAnn W. Olsen

Jo Ann was born in Villisca, Iowa to James and Mary Williams on June 24, 1931. She was raised in Atlantic, Iowa where she met her future husband George Olsen. Jo Ann earned her Speech Therapy Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Iowa. At Iowa, she served as her sorority’s President, and represented the ROTC Regiment as Honorary Cadet Colonel to the homecoming court. After her graduation in 1953, Jo Ann and George were married and remained in Iowa City until his graduation a year later. Jo Ann practiced her profession in the Iowa public-school system before raising her family.

Jo Ann and George raised their three sons Scott, Steve and Spencer in Northern Michigan. This allowed them to be near her brother Jim, wife Judy, and three sons Brian, Todd and Kurt. Jo Ann and George relocated to their home in Horseshoe Bend in Roswell in 1982. She was attracted to the beauty of the natural surroundings and the quiet there.

In addition to her family, one of her principal interests and joys in life was her gardens. She not only tended to a vast variety of flowering plants, but found great peace in spending time there. Jo Ann wrote, “I used to sing ‘In the Garden’ while sitting in the swing with my coffee in the morning and talk to Jesus, and He would tell me ‘I was his own’.” She also appreciated the beauty of God’s creatures. A great number of animals and birds were attracted to her garden. Perhaps her favorite were the hummingbirds that frequented the lovely environment that she enjoyed.

She was also very diligent in her effort to serve in the church. In her earlier years, she sang in the choir. As an accomplished musician Jo Ann was a soloist, pianist, and cellist. She also led the women’s Bible study. Jo Ann was always a fervent student of the Word, but chose to live the love of Christ more than simply believe or speak what scripture teaches. Later she chose to offer her time, effort, and concern for others through the Stephen Ministry at her church, the Fellowship Bible Church of Roswell.

Jo Ann has always been considered a loving, caring, wonderful and supportive wife by George, her husband of 64 years. Jo Ann and George enjoyed the sporting activities of the sons and grandchildren. She also cherished friendships that lasted decades. Traveling to visit friends, family and the places that fascinated her were also important to Jo Ann.

As a mother, grand-mother, and great-grandmother Jo Ann was greatly loved. Her gracious manner, hospitality, and unconditional love provided a remarkable role model for four generations of her family. Jo Ann’s legacy of love will be lived through the lives of the surviving members of her family. These include husband George; brother Jim Williams; son Scott and Susie; son Steve and wife Mary Jo; son Spencer and wife Marie Louise; Scott’s children Alison and Jacob; Steve and MJ’s children Kirsten (and husband Kunal), Erik, Annika, and Anders; and Spencer’s children Amy Anne (and husband Kirby) and Paige; and great-grand daughter Adeleigh, daughter of Kirsten and Kunal.

Jo Ann began each day with a prayer to the Lord to offer her body, soul and spirit to God, to His glory in all that she did. She desired to live to glorify her heavenly Father, and she succeeded at this.