Jo Ann Lawrence Rawls

Jo Ann Lawrence Rawls passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 5, 2023. She was the daughter of the late Charles and Beatrice Lawrence of Suffolk, VA. She was a proud graduate of Suffolk High School and Old Dominion University. Jo Ann was a special education teacher for Gwinnett County, GA. She retired from Gwinnett County and for a few years enjoyed her retirement until medical conditions slowed her down. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who held a lifelong faith in God. She was born in Suffolk, VA on October 4, 1955.

Jo Ann spent many long hours watching her boys play baseball and basketball. She loved watching them play and cheered her heart out for them to do well. She wouldn’t admit it, but she was sad when they had finished their seasons.

She was proceeded in death by her parents and brother in law, Dr. John Apthorpe. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, J. Lewis Rawls III, children J. Lewis Rawls IV (Amy) and Joseph Rawls (Natalie), grandchildren Anna Grace Rawls, Charlie Rawls, Tucker Jackson, and Hartman Rawls; her sister, Deborah Apthorpe of Cypress, CA.

Jo Ann has a wide circle of friends back in Virginia and here is Georgia. They kept her spirits up the last few years and she was always happy to hear from them whether a note or phone call. Thank you ladies.

There will be a celebration of life at Wages and Sons Funeral Home Thursday at 1:00. In lieu of flowers, Please make a donation in her name to the Alzheimers Association or the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Disease Foundation.