Jo Ann Thomas was born on April 5, 1935, to the late Tom and Sadie Cheatham. She transitioned from labor to reward on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in the Richmond Health Care Center in Richmond, Texas.

Jo Ann was one of several children born to Tom and Sadie Cheatham and, in time, became the sole surviving member of her sibling group. Her siblings, who preceded her in death, were Esau Cheatham, Jeff Cheatham, D.C. Cheatham, Tommie Ruth Sidney, Mary Jane Adams, and Lillie Ruth Adams. She was also preceded in death by her son, Kenneth A. West.

Throughout her 91 years, Jo Ann built a life defined by faith, determination, hard work, family, and perseverance. Her faith became a meaningful part of who she was and was reflected in the way she served others. At an early age, she joined Rose Bloom Baptist Church, where she became a dedicated and faithful usher. Later, after moving to Oak Hill, she joined Bethlehem Baptist Church, where she faithfully served as Church Clerk until she was no longer able to continue due to health challenges.

JoAnn was a woman who worked hard for what she had, and her family took great pride in what she accomplished. She believed in the faithfulness of God and was blessed to see many of the desires of her heart come to pass. Among those blessings was 40 acres of land, where she raised cattle and built something that represented her hard work, determination, and perseverance. Her family is proud of all that she accomplished and of the life she worked so diligently to build.

Jo Ann also knew how to enjoy life. She loved to dance, kept active, and had a genuine love for football. She could always get excited about a good game and was especially happy to cheer for any team that could beat the Dallas Cowboys. She loved her cattle and, as those who knew her best can attest, she certainly appreciated a good quality steak and fried catfish. These were among the many things that brought Jo Ann joy and reflected her spirited personality.

Family was at the center of Jo Ann's life. She was devoted to her children and especially loved her grandchildren and nephews. Her children are deeply grateful for the hard work, generosity, and sacrifices she made throughout the years so that they could have the opportunity to lead full and meaningful lives. She gave of herself freely and worked tirelessly to provide for her family and create opportunities for her children. Her strength, perseverance, and selflessness helped lay a foundation that extended to the generations that followed.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Thomas A. West (Minnie Sue), Ronald D. West (Priscilla), Penelope Nobles (Rickie), and LeChristopher Thomas; her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; and her beloved nephews, James Cheatham JoAnn) and Donald Cheatham (Betty). She also leaves a host of extended family members, friends, and church family who were blessed to know and love her. Jo Ann lived 91 years marked by faith, hard work, sacrifice, accomplishment, family, and joy. Her family is proud of the life she built and the example she set through the way she lived. The love she gave, the sacrifices she made, and the memories she created will continue through the generations she leaves behind.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of sharing in her life.

We welcome you to share your memories and condolences with the family by signing the online guestbook.