Jo Ann Hewlett Apperson

Funeral services for Jo Ann Hewlett Apperson will be held Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. at First Christian Church with Dr. Mark Benson officiating. Burial will follow at Magnolia Cemetery with Robert Barham Family Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Jo Ann Hewlett Apperson passed away Monday, November 07, 2016 in Meridian, MS, her home for the past forty-three years.  Born in Owensboro, KY on April 9, 1930 she was the daughter of Dorothy Ray Taylor Hewlett and Jefferson St. Clair Hewlett.  She was a proud descendent of the Hewlett and Smith families of Spotsylvania County Virginia.

She was a graduate of Owensboro High School, always proud that she was first chair Trumpet for the Owensboro Red Devil Marching band.  After graduation she attended Transylvania College in Lexington, KY where she was a member of Chi Omega sorority.  While in college she met the enduring love of her life, William Burrus Apperson who she married in 1951.

Jo Ann devoted her life to her beloved husband and the churches he pastored for 49 years; working side by side in a humble and unique way, ministering with him to their congregations and serving the people he led.  After his death in 2001 she continued to assist First Christian Church of Meridian in a myriad of ways.

She was the founder of the Annual KY Ham Breakfast hosted by First Christian Church for the past 53 years.  For many years she was the top ticket seller throughout the community.  She was honored by the Christian Women's Fellowship by having a Circle named for her.

She was a member of the Meridian Symphony League and was a Life Member of Meridian Junior Auxiliary.

Jo Ann was an expert at various methods of needlework, always creating new designs and lovingly sharing them.  She designed and needlepointed Christmas stockings for each of her grandchildren and much of her work is preserved both in the church sanctuary and in the homes of her children and their families.

Jo Ann served her church, her Savior, her family and her community in a quiet, unassuming way.  As a mother and wife she was tirelessly committed to love and service.  A very patient, kind and gentle lady was she.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Jean Taylor Hewlett, her dear husband, William and a grandchild, William Wilson Valentine.

She is survived by her daughters, Amy Wilson Apperson Valentine (Dennis) of Brookhaven, MS and Ann Burrus Apperson Compton (John) of Meridian.  She is also survived by six grandchildren, Kathleen Valentine Calcote (Colby), John Hays Compton (Carrie), William Hewlett Compton (Sarah), Eleanor Valentine Hartzog (Trent), Patrick Covington Valentine, and Caroline Dimmitt Compton, as well as five great grandchildren.  She is also survived by two special sisters in law, Rainey Bailey Apperson of Murray, KY and Barbara Apperson St. Aubin of Bethesda, MD and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Her family is truly grateful to Ruby Brown Knox and Darlene Gibbs who became her friends and helpers and who loved her very much.

Pallbearers will be Colby Calcote, John Hays Compton, William Hewlett Compton, Trent Hartzog, Patrick Covington Valentine, David Gilmore, Buddy Bennett, and Ed Brown Jr.

Memorials may be made to First Christian Church, 1301 23rd Ave. Meridian, MS 39301 or the Will Valentine Scholarship of Brookhaven MS Junior Auxiliary, P.O. Box 169, Brookhaven, MS 39602.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 9, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at the church.

"Standing on the promises I cannot fall,

Listening every moment to the Spirit's call,

Resting in my Savior as my all in all,

Standing on the promises of God"