Jo Ann Giffin

July 1, 1943 - Nov. 25, 2014 Beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Jo Ann Giffin passed away November 25, 2014 at Gordon Hospice House in Statesville, NC. Jo was born July 1, 1943 in San Diego, CA to George and Inez O’Keefe. While attending San Diego State, she met the love of her life Robert "Bob" Giffin. They were married April 27, 1963. The two moved to Redwood City, CA where their two daughters were born. In 1968, the family moved to Denver, CO where Jo wholly supported her daughter’s activities as a Girl Scout leader and cheerleader for sports and school functions. She held several retail sales positions. In 1987, Jo and Bob moved back to San Diego where Jo worked for the local Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Assoc. She lovingly and with great strength cared for Bob until his death in 2001 from cancer. Jo moved to Mooresville, NC in 2003 to be near her daughter. She was devoted in the care of Bob’s mother until her recent passing. Jo found great joy in spending time with her family and friends and caring for the many children she babysat and pets she cared for including her much-loved adopted dog, "Sissy". Jo never missed a birthday, anniversary or holiday greeting, making all feel special and loved. Jo especially enjoyed soaking up the sunshine, gardening, reading, dancing and listening to music. Jo was preceded in death by her husband and parents. She is survived by her sister, Teresa Stalnaker of La Mesa, CA; daughter, Teresa Wenum of Kalispell, MT and her husband, Erik, and grandchildren, Marisa and Kyle; and daughter, Debbie Berner of Troutman, NC and her husband, Steve, and grandchildren, Tristin and Mackenzie. The family wishes to thank Jo’s many caring friends for their support and prayers and the doctors, nurses and caregivers who provided her comfort. A private celebration of life service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Iredell County, 110 Robinson Road, Mooresville, NC 28117.