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ADAIR, JO ANN - It is difficult to describe the color of a life through newsprint and type, and this tale will follow suit as a mere shade of the individual that has passed. A little over 78 years ago was born to Leona and Clarence Burnette in Knoxville, TN. Always a stubborn, inquisitive and mischievous child she would later reminisce and brag of her early exploits with a happy giggle. Like many others in her family, Jo Ann grew up in the Beaumont neighborhood and later graduated from Rule High School in 1952. Moving to Atlanta, GA she soon took a career position at the Fort Gillem Army Depot where she met her love and companion for life Marion (Joe) Adair. There were no two people more alike and after their marriage in August of 1953 the pair did not part until Joe's death in 2009. Never having children of their own Jo Ann and Joe showered their love and attention on the nieces, nephews and cousins in their respective families. It is through their combined efforts that their memory, teachings and legacy will live on. With every life comes death and on February 23, 2012 Jo Ann passed away peacefully in the care of family and friends. Because of this tiny little lady, our family will lovingly refer to Cracker Barrel as "Jo Ann's Kitchen," shopping sprees to Macy's will never be the same, and we'll always think of her while eating her favorite Chick-fil-A Icedream cone. Graveside service will be held by Dr. Allan Smith at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 26, 2012 at Highland Memorial Cemetery directly off Sutherland Avenue. Of those living in Georgia, Jo Ann is survived by cousin J. Don Braden, wife Victoria; cousin Kelley B. Bell, husband Robin, son Justin and daughter Emily; cousins John Braden, Karen Braden, Paula Braden, Steven Braden and Lauren Karasek. On the Adair side: Dorothy Adair, Mark Adair, Denise Brooks-Martin and husband Troy, great nieces Clair Brooks, Ashton Brooks, Leah Martin and Nora Martin. Of those living in Knoxville, TN, Jo Ann is survived by the child she was closest to, Ruthie S. Rosser and husband Danny; aunt, Beatrice Waters; cousin Herbert Waters Jr. and wife Sandra, cousin James Waters and cousin Sue Waters; cousin Judith W. Staunton, husband Josh and son Zachary; cousin Lara W. Periut, husband Nick, daughter Cora and son Jackson; cousin, Cecil Settlemire.



Published in Knoxville News Sentinel on February 26, 2012