Jo Ann “Joey” Davis Willingham died peacefully on Feb. 27, 2020. She was born to Margaret Rock Davis and Alston Davis on Jan. 27, 1930, in Portsmouth, VA. The family eventually moved to Hingham, MA, where she met and married her high school sweetheart, Joseph Willingham. They envisioned a self-sufficient lifestyle at their home, Green Gates Farm, in Duxbury, MA. They gardened, preserved foods, and raised a variety of farm and domestic animals. Together they orchestrated many fun family adventures digging clams, fishing, sailing and day long picnics at the beach.
Joey’s home became a warm and welcoming place reflected through her artistic creations and gourmet cooking. She had a sharp mind, was an avid reader, completed the NY Times crossword every morning and tuned into “Jeopardy” every evening. She volunteered with Girl Scouts and other youth organizations in Duxbury. In later years she resided in Myrtle Beach, SC, where she made treasured friends, especially her Wednesday “lunch bunch.” She lived with her daughter in Cazenovia for the past year and a half.
She is survived by her daughters Janet Enders of Cazenovia and Barbara Ryan of Coronado, CA; grandsons Todd Enders (Shannon) of Cazenovia, Tim Enders (Alissa) of Baltimore, MD, Seth Enders (Shannon) of Marietta, Nathan Enders (Carrie) of Cazenovia, Riley Enders (Brittany) of Chittenango; her devoted caregiver and friend, Lisa Dain, and many great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Jo Ann was pre-deceased by her husband, Joseph, an infant daughter, her son, Joseph, and her daughter, Susan. The family would like to express their gratitude for the loving and compassionate care she received at Crouse Community Center.
A private memorial service for family and friends will be held at a later date and burial will be in Duxbury, MA. Contributions in Jo Ann’s memory made be made to the Cazenovia Public Library, 100 Albany St, Cazenovia, NY 13035. To leave a message of sympathy for the family, please visit michaelebrownfuneralservices.com.
