Jo Anne Wilson passed away on July 11, 2025. She was born on January 21, 1940, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the oldest of three children to John Clifford Yarwood and Margot Helen Rose (Franckowiak) Yarwood.
Jo graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1957, where she was active in a wide range of clubs and organizations, including Girls’ Leaders, Science Club, Latin Club, Student Council, Sportsmen’s Club, and Honor Society. She also sang in the Choristers and A Cappella Choir and worked part-time at Charlie’s A&W Root Beer Stand, where she met the love of her life, John Alexander Wilson, who would later become her husband.
Jo pursued higher education at St. Cloud State College. A trailblazer before the term “STEM” was coined, she earned degrees in Mathematics and Physical Science with a minor degree in Chemistry and was often the only woman in her science classes. She was named one of the ten most outstanding women on campus, participated in musical productions, and was a proud member of the Minerva Sorority. She approached her education with focus and determination, setting a strong example for others.
Jo married John Wilson on August 26, 1961, at Randolph Heights Presbyterian Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. Shortly after they married, they moved to Orosi, California to begin their teaching careers, before settling in Arcadia, California where they raised four children: Dawn, Kristi, Shannon, and Kirk.
Jo taught pre-Algebra, Algebra, and Geometry at Foothills Junior High School and Arcadia High School for 25 years. She was known for her patience, high standards, clear instruction, and her ability to help her students succeed. Her commitment to education extended beyond the classroom. She was a highly sought-after private tutor, often called upon by families who wanted their children to advance beyond their peers.
Jo was greatly involved in her children’s lives serving as a Brownie leader, Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher, classroom mom, cheerleading and soccer team mom, and timer and concession stand attendant at hundreds of swim meets. She was also a constant presence at school events, soccer and baseball games, swim meets, and band, choir, and orchestra concerts. Whatever the role, she gave it her full effort and unwavering attention.
Jo had a wide range of hobbies and interests, and she pursued each one with the same dedication. She began competitive speed skating at age 10 and continued through high school with the Powderhorn Skating Club. Over the years, she enjoyed macramé, quilting, needlepointing, caring for houseplants, singing in church choirs, and solving puzzles, especially jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, and Sudoku. She loved playing Solitaire, Bunco, Bingo, and board games, and was known for her competitive spirit and sharp mind.
Later in life, Jo found great joy in being a grandmother. She took pride in each of her grandchildren’s accomplishments, whether academic, athletic, artistic, or personal, and made a point to stay involved and supportive. She followed their lives closely, celebrated their milestones, and was always eager to hear about their latest achievements.
After 42 years in Arcadia, Jo and John moved to Colorado Springs in 2006 to be closer to family. There, Jo joined the Village Seven Presbyterian Church, a neighborhood Bunco group, and sang in the church choir. She spent her final years at Legend of Colorado Springs, where she remained active and engaged in community activities.
Jo was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Sharyl Running; and her in-laws, John and Alice Wilson. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, John Wilson; her children and their families: Dawn and Trent Reinert (Michael, Jonathan, and Nicholas) of Omaha, Nebraska; Kristi and Lance Cunningham (Fletcher and Claire) of Black Diamond, Washington; Shannon and Greg Crosley (Hannah) of Colorado Springs, Colorado and (Emma and Zack Norton) of Tokyo, Japan; and Kirk and Summer Wilson (Cameron) of Ruidoso, New Mexico. She is also survived by her brother James Yarwood of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania; her brother-in-law Robert Running of Chaska, Minnesota; other relatives; and many friends.
Jo will be remembered for her Christian faith, intelligence, her strong work ethic, and her deep commitment to her family, students, and community. She approached every part of life with full commitment, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she met.
A memorial service for Jo will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Village Seven Presbyterian Church, 4040 Nonchalant Circle, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917.