JoAnna Farris' Obituary
JoAnna Farris, 82, was born in Sparks, KS, the daughter of a wheat and corn farmer, Gordon and Nellie Bennett. She made her way through college with a Bachelor’s of English for which she most graciously would correct if you messed up. She died at 4 am at St. Francis Hospital on June 2, 2014. Starting at the Harford Ins. Co. she worked as an underwriter. She worked her way through finding her home with Clay and Land Ins. Agency. She retired last June after 35 years, working her way up to Vice President. She was a Godly person, a women of faith, who loved deeply and unconditionally all she met. She was a people person, a real go getter. Jo served as President of the Insurance Professionals of Memphis, was a member of the International Association of Insurance Professionals, and served as Council Director of the Tennessee Council of Insurance Professionals. She was an active member of Colonial Park United Methodist Church, serving as pianist when ever called to serve. She was a gracious host, and wonderful cook and we are all enjoying some of her receipts with your family today. She has mentored many young women who learned the business from her that are agents today. Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Nellie Bennett and her brother, Gordon Bennett, Jr. She is survived by her husband, Russell Perkins; daughters Kristen Mayo and Mary Faye (Mike) Stewart; grandchildren, Randall Mayo, Helaina Mayo and Michael (Cristy) Stewart; great- grandchildren, Demarcus Jaylin Mayo, Jay and Elizabeth Stewart; her sister-in-law, Darlyne Bennett and nieces Joyce (Ulas) Simpson and Sherry (Curtis) Harris. The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 5 from 6-8 p.m. with a funeral service on Friday, June 6 at 1:00 p.m. all at Memorial Park Funeral Home.Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38119, 901-767-8930, “Behind the Stone Wall”.
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