Jo Ann Benson Batiste

Jo Ann Benson Batiste departed this life on Sunday, November 15, 2020, at East Jefferson General Hospital.  She was 78 years old and a native of Harvey, LA.  She lived a life full of adventure and loved her family dearly.  Jo Ann graduated from Xavier Preparatory School, and followed her dreams of becoming a Beautician.  She was an employee of Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office from 1983 – 1992, where her duties consisted of crossing guard and later a 911 dispatcher and operator.  She was known by her team as “Operator 74.” 

The passion of her life was her love for people and being helpful to those in need.  There was never a dull moment as long as Jo Ann was in the room.  She found a way to provoke laughter and even pick a fight with her wit, leaving even the most profound jokester at a loss for words.  With her cane in hand, she could catch the groove of the disco beat down to the bayou swing, never missing a step and challenging any who dared to a battle on the dance floor.  She even developed a fan base on social media with her antics, as people across Facebook looked forward to seeing what Jo Ann was up to next.  The shared memories will remain a virtual memory book of her best moments in her last days with us. 

Left to cherish her memories and continue her legacy are her two sons, Joseph A. Fennidy, and John Fennidy Sr. (Dolores).  Her three brothers Clifton “Bunch” Jones Jr., Aubrey Jones Sr., and Michael Jones Sr.  Her eight grandchildren John Fennidy Jr., Shannon Cyprian, Brandon Cyprian, Angelisha Wells, Alexis Fennidy, Brian Cyprian, Kaden Fennidy, and Kameron Fennidy.  Her four great grandchildren Amahyree Wells, Miles Cyprian, Zaine Cyprian, and Jensen Cyprian.  Also left to cherish her memories are a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.   

Jo Ann is preceded in death by her parents Alberta Batiste – Jones and Charles R. Benson.  Her stepfather Clifton Jones Sr., and her brother Cornelius “Connie” Jones.

Relatives and friends of the family, employees of JPSO, and Westwego Police Department, are all invited to attend the funeral service on Monday, November 23, 2020, at All Saints Catholic Church located at 1441 Tech Street., New Orleans, LA 70114, at 10 a.m.  The visitation will begin at 8 a.m.  Father Peter Weiss officiating and interment will follow at Restlawn Park Cemetery in Avondale, LA. 

Due to COVID – 19, EVERYONE in attendance MUST wear a face mask or other proper facial covering and practice social distancing. 

Funeral planning entrusted to ROBINSON FAMILY FUNERAL HOME 9611 LA 23 BELLE CHASSE, LA 70072 (504) 208 – 2119 

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