Jo Ann (Frith) Wilson

Jo Ann (Frith) Wilson

On July 21, 2021, Jo Ann (Frith) Wilson passed away peacefully at the age of 79 in Phoenix, AZ.

Jo Ann was born in 1942, in Richmond, CA, to parents Jerry and Berniece Frith. They later moved to Bakersfield, where she attended elementary and high school. In 1961, she had her only child -- a son, Mark Woods -- with her first husband, Keith Woods. After their divorce, Jo Ann worked hard as a single mother, in numerous administrative positions for law offices, real estate and banking. Throughout her career, she also owned a salon and a clothing store, but her favorite job was as the owner of a florist shop in the Bay Area, which she enjoyed immensely. She met her current husband, Wayne Wilson, in Benicia, CA and they were married in 1988. They relocated to Avondale, AZ, in 1998, where Jo Ann then worked as a bookkeeper for a non-profit and finally retired in 2013.

Jo Ann was always a perfectionist, and she embodied that trait in all aspects of her life. In her younger years, she loved sewing and made many of her own clothes and household items. She loved her home and loved being there. Her favorite travel destination was California’s Central Coast, which she tried to visit whenever possible. More than probably anything, Jo Ann loved her pets, and she had numerous furry companions over the years. If she found a stray animal in need, she couldn’t say no.

Jo Ann is predeceased by her mother, Berniece; her father, Jerry; her sister, Diane (Frith) Gouge; and her first husband, Keith Woods. She is survived by her current husband, Wayne, in Avondale AZ; her son, Mark, and his partner, Christopher; her brother, Jerry Frith (Jr), and his wife, Kathy; and her brother-in-law, Dick Gouge. Jo Ann will be sorely missed by all who loved her.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, August 11, 2021, at Union Cemetery, 703 E. Potomac Avenue, in Bakersfield.