Barbourville, Ky. – Jo Ann Graden, 80, of Artmeus, passed away, Sunday, December 3, 2023. Born October 13, 1943 in Harlan, to loving parents, Eunice and Troy Walters, Jo Ann spent her childhood years in Blackstar, Ky., a mining camp. By Jo Ann ‘s high school years, the family had moved to Knox County, where Jo Ann attended Knox Central High School
In April 1972, Jo Ann Walters married Jim Henry Graden and to this union, one daughter, Lisa Jo, was born.
After returning from living in Florida for many years, Jo Ann became a beloved Artemus community member. She joined the Artemus Christian Church, where she served the lord and her congregation for 46 years. Beyond the church doors, Jo Ann was known throughout the community for her kind heart and welcoming ways. The children of Artemus knew that smiles, hugs, and Little Debbie Cakes were waiting always, to be delivered with love to anyone who stopped by Ms. Jo Ann’s house. Not only did the children of Artemus fill their bellies with sweet treats from Jo Ann’s kitchen, but many a coffee drinker today, hailing from Artemus, learned this skill at Jo Ann’s kitchen table. Her home was a happy one – filled with laughter, love and joy.
Jo Ann, known for her pleasant demeanor, was beloved outside of her home community as well. She was a long time personal assistant to John Dixon and then later on to Charlie Green Dixon. Through her work with the Dixons, Jo Ann came to know many residents of Knox County. In her spare time, Jo Ann excelled at making homemade pies. listening to music, especially Elvis hits, and watching westerns, particularily, the ones where Matt Dillion was starring cowboy.
Jo Ann’s legacy is a happy one. She will forever be remembered fondly by all who knew her.
Left behind to mourn Jo Ann’s passing is her husband, Jim Henry Graden; her daughter, Lisa Jo Napier and son-in-law, Jeremy; three grandchildren: Troy Michael Bierman, Megan Jo Bryant (Kirkland), Brady Colt Napier, and one great-grandson, Grayson Bryant. Three very special nieces and nephews, Jo Linda Russell (Richard), Michele Mitchum Howard, and Jimmy Walters (Beverly) also mourn Jo Ann’s passing.
Preceding Jo Ann’s passing is one brother, James Walters; one sister-in-law, Kat; one sister, Barbara Mitchum Powell and one brother-in-law, Mitchell Mitchum
The Graden family will receive family and friends to honor Mrs. Graden’s memory on Thursday evening, December 7, from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM at Hopper Funeral Home. On Friday, December 8, family and friends may gather for visitation from 12:00 PM until the funeral hour of 2:00 PM. Interment will follow the funeral in the Barbourville Cemetery. Derrick Foster, and Ed Jenkins will officiate with musical tributes performed by Jared Ferguson. The Graden family has chosen as casket bearers: Troy Bierman, Chad Ferguson, Jared Ferguson, William Jenkins, Brian Nelson, Doug Taylor and Darren West.
The Hopper Family, Victoria Hopper and Sally Hopper, and the staff of Hopper Funeral Home, express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Jo Ann Graden.
Hopper Funeral Home, established over 100 years ago, is in charge of servicing all arrangements for Jo Ann Graden.
