Jo Ann Roberts

Mrs. Jo Ann Roberts, age 85 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Thursday, December 29, 2016, at home surrounded by her family. Jo Ann was born on November 29, 1931, in Springfield, Mo., the daughter of Ted and Edna (McKinney) Lisenby. She was married on November 28, 1953, in Springfield, Mo. to James Roberts. Jo Ann was a 1949 graduate of Springfield Central High School and a 1953 graduate of St. John's School of Nursing in Springfield, Mo. A resident of the Jefferson City area since 1960, Jo Ann was proud to take care of her children when they were younger and considered her most important job to be homemaker. After her children were older, she worked as an Intensive Care Nurse at Memorial Community Hospital for 15 years prior to her retirement in 1991. She was an active member of First Christian Church where she helped with their Food Pantry Ministry and served as a Deaconess Emeritus. She was a member of P.E.O., Chapter JV, and an active member of Meadow Lake Acres Country Club. She loved playing golf with friends and family and served as Past President of the Ladies Golf Association and member the Fifty Plus Golf Association. Jo Ann was generous with her time and was a mentor at East Elementary School. She also volunteered at Capital Region Medical Center through their Partners Program and delivered Meals on Wheels. She cherished time gardening, reading, playing bridge, and traveling with her family, especially the time she spent with Jim in Florida. Survivors include: her husband of 63 years, James Roberts; one son, Mark Roberts and his wife Marty of Blue Springs, Mo.; one daughter, Cynthia Roberts of Jefferson City, Mo.; one sister, Dixie Bonser of Springfield, Mo.; two grandchildren, Andy Roberts and Claire Roberts, both of Blue Springs, Mo.; a niece, Susie McGuire; and a nephew, Dick McGuire. She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Betty Gabriel; and three brothers, Bud Lisenby, Richard Lisenby, and Jack Lisenby. Visitation will be held at the First Christian Church from 10:00 until 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 10, 2017. A memorial service will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 10, 2017, at the First Christian Church with the Reverend Beau Underwood officiating. Private graveside services and inurnment will be held at Hazelwood Cemetery in Springfield, Mo. at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the First Christian Church, 327 E. Capitol Avenue, Jefferson City, Mo. 65101. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com