Jo Ann Haskell Stevenson, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2024, at the age of 83. Born on April 22, 1941, in Payson, Utah, Jo Ann spent her entire life in the town she cherished.
She attended Peteetneet and Taylor Elementary Schools, followed by Payson Junior High and Payson High School, graduating class of 1959, where she made lifelong friends and developed a love for her community.
On March 14, 1959, Jo Ann married Douglas Clyde Palmer, with whom she had two children, Brent (Pat) and Chris (Jeff). Later, she found her eternal love with Darrell William Stevenson, whom she married on May 6, 1967. With Darrell, Jo Ann welcomed his son, Pete (Richelle), into the family. Together, Darrell and Jo Ann had a son, Gregg (Nickole).
Growing up, Jo Ann sold vegetables from her family’s garden to buy her school clothes, a testament to her hardworking and determined spirit. Throughout her life, she has worked at Wayne’s Market, Avon, Hale’s Rest Home, Payson Senior Center, and as a beautician. While at Avon, Jo Ann was a top seller and earned an all-inclusive trip to all the islands of Hawaii as a reward for her hard work—a story she loved to retell.
Jo Ann enjoyed clothes and all things beauty. In addition to her extensive clothing collection, she cherished giving gifts to friends and family. Her grandkids lovingly remember her generous shopping experiences and enjoy sharing stories of Grandma doing their hair.
Through the years, she developed a love for weekend getaways to Wendover and Mesquite. Even though she kept her cards close to her chest, it was a real hoot to hear her tell of her jackpot winnings with her “Jackpot Husband.”
Jo Ann had a deep passion for gardening and took great pride in her yard, winning Yard of the Year multiple times in Payson. She especially loved the first week of August when the tomatoes she had so carefully nurtured were ripe and ready to be picked and eaten straight off the vine with a dash of salt.
Throughout her life, her greatest joy was her family. Jo Ann was a devoted mother and grandmother who would do anything to ensure her loved ones were happy and well cared for. Jo Ann will be deeply missed by her children Brent (Pat) Palmer, Chris (Jeff) Braithwaite, and Gregg (Nickole) Stevenson, as well as her 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, a great-great-grandchild, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A viewing will be held on August 23, 2024, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 587 S 100 W, Payson, UT 84651. A graveside service will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the Payson Cemetery, 400 N 800 E St, Payson, UT 84651.
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