It is with great sadness that the family of Jo Ann (West) Massie announces her passing on Oct. 5, 2024, after a lengthy illness. Mrs. Massie was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Raymond H. Massie; her mother, Jewel Pitts West Jordan; her father, Henry West Sr.; and two brothers, Floyd West and Charlie West. She is survived by her two children, Shannon Lindsay (Michael) and Shane Massie (Laudiceia); her three grandchildren, Peyton Massie, Kaitlyn Massie, and Tyler Lindsay; her three siblings, Pat Graves (Michael), Henry West (Debbie), and Shirley Yates (Ted); her brother-in-law, Jack Massie (Pat), and many much-loved nieces and nephews.

Upon graduating from Beat 4 High School in Wayne County, Miss., Jo Ann married Raymond and settled in Mize, Miss., where Raymond worked as a coach and teacher. As a young wife and mother of two, Jo Ann, would earn her bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi within three short years. She would later receive her master’s degree from William Carey College. Mrs. Massie would go on to spend 25 years as a high school English teacher beginning her career at Pearl River Central High School in Carriere, Miss., and retiring at Quitman High School in Quitman, Miss. Mrs. Massie would make a lasting impression on her students and will be fondly remembered for her love of classic literature, her creative teaching style, and her high standards of excellence. As a coach’s wife, Mrs. Massie was a devoted fan and would be found in the bleachers (home or away) supporting the teams that she loved, all while grading an endless number of English papers.

Mrs. Massie was known to those closest to her as Jo Ann, Aunt Jo, Grandmother, and most of all, Mama. There was never a sacrifice too large for her family. Always the life of the party, her beautiful smile could never outshine her beautiful and kind heart. Her faith and trust in her Lord and Savior, Jesus, would be the strength of all of her days. There are not enough words to express how much we will miss this extraordinary woman and are thankful for the gift that God gave to us with her life.

A service will be held in her honor on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, at Wright’s Funeral Home, 119 E Church St, Quitman, Miss. Visitation begins at 10 a.m. and the service will be at 1 p.m., with interment to follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery, in Quitman, Miss.  Online condolences may be given at www.wrightsfuneral.com.