Jo Anne Wilhite

November 13, 1933 - November 27, 2021

Jo Anne “JJ” Wilhite, age 88, left this earth for her Heavenly home on November 27, 2021. She was born in Memphis, TN, to Mr. and Mrs. James Rogers on November 13, 1933. An avid decorator for over sixty years, JJ brought her attention to detail to countless homes and businesses across the MidSouth. She had a knack for transforming spaces and finding beauty in the smallest things. JJ is preceded in death by her devoted husband of 58 years, Freddie Eugene Wilhite. The couple had three children, Sherrie Wilhite Nicholson, Michael Eugene Wilhite, and Wendy Wilhite Saylor. Jo Anne was also preceded in death by her son Michael Eugene Wilhite, brothers Harvey LaGasse and Buddy Rogers, sister Nancy Iglehart, son-in-law, Allen Keith Saylor, and grandson, Brandon Heath Wilhite. JJ was the pillar of the family, the quintessential matriarch. She is survived by countless relatives including her brother, Jimmy Rogers (Betsy), and two loving daughters, Sherrie Wilhite Nicholson and Wendy Wilhite Saylor. She leaves her grandchildren; Joann Nicholson Hughes (Chris), Christopher Michael Wilhite (Christina), Ashley Ann Eggers (Hamilton), Jack Doyle Saylor II, and Hannah Wilhite Pressley. JJ was blessed with twelve great-grandchildren: Lillius Ousley Eggers, Georgia Lucille Bell, AnnaKay Bell, David Hamilton Eggers, Jr., Ava Grace Wilhite, Caroline Ann Wilhite, Amos Luckey Wilhite, Madison Lynn Hughes, Andrew Phillip Hughes, Chloe June Isabella Ramsey, James Smith III, and Addeline Claire Hamrick. JJ also had a multitude of friends who have brought her great joy over the years. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude for the friends and caregivers who have taken such great care of her this last year. Louise Taylor, Robyn Boyd, Shirley Parham, Linda Smith, Yasmin Watson, Felicia Smith, and all the nurses and staff of Baptist Trinity Hospice, we truly appreciate you all. A visitation will be held at Memorial Park Funeral Home on Friday, December 3, 2021 from 11:30-12:45, with a rosary beginning at 12:45 p.m. A celebration of life will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m.