Jo Ann Ann Twombly
September 26, 1938 ~ December 21, 2022
Jo Ann Twombly went to meet her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 21, 2022.
She was born on September 26, 1938, in Franklin, Pennsylvania to Marian and Boyd Goodwill.
She grew up in Franklin and graduated from Franklin High School in 1957. Her parents divorced when she was young, and her mother married Fred Knooihuizen. She was known as Jo Ann Knooihuizen throughout her young life.
JoAnn was a cheerleader in high school and loved to sing in various productions. She also was a lifeguard at the Miller-Sibley pool for a time.
She married John McNeill on June 26, 1959, and they had two children, John and Elizabeth. They divorced in 1964, and she married Bennett C. Twombly on September 26, 1964. They had two children, Bennett and Robin. Jo Ann and Ben were blessed with 45 years together until Ben’s death in 2009.
Jo Ann was a Navy wife for many years of her marriage. This meant many moves around the country to wherever Ben was stationed at the time. One of the places she loved was when Ben was stationed on Ford Island, in Hawaii. Also, Ben served on a submarine for a time and spent many months at sea. This meant Jo Ann had to raise the 4 children on her own for much of their young marriage.
If you knew Jo Ann, you would know she was always full of energy. She was always active and moving, even walking her 4 miles a day through the age of 83. Ben retired from the Navy in 1977 and they moved to Franklin.
They were members of the Franklin First Church of God for many years. Jo Ann taught an adult Sunday School class at the church for many years and never passed on an opportunity to sing in a service. She loved declaring the gospel of Jesus to all she came in contact.
Jo Ann moved to California permanently in 2011 to live closer to her eldest son, John and his wife, Janet. She never lost her love of Franklin, though, and would have stayed had her health permitted.
She was preceded in death by her mother Marian, her husband Ben, her daughter Elizabeth, and her 3 sisters, Areta, Amy, and Melissa. She is survived by her sons, John (Janet), Ben, and Robin (Karen), along with her 11 grandchildren and her 2 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at the Franklin First Church of God, 705 Liberty Street, Franklin, Pennsylvania on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at 11:00 AM.
Jo Ann will be laid to rest at the Franklin Cemetery immediately following the service.
Memorial contributions can be made in Jo Ann's name to the Franklin First Church of God, 705 Liberty Street, Franklin, Pennsylvania, 16323.
Arrangements are under the care of the Gardinier-Warren Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, Pennsylvania 16323.
Please take a moment to share a memory or condolence with the family on Jo Ann's Book of Memories at www.WarrenFH.com.
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JoAnn was a special sister-in-law. Jim and I have not forgotten all that she did to match us up, as we have been married 54 years. We loved her very much. Her Faith, Family, and Friends were very important to JoAnn!
We will miss you JoAnn until that day when we will all meet again. Much love from Jim and Dennise Holzinger.