JoAnn Ladd's Obituary
JoAnn Ladd, known lovingly as Jo Jo, passed away on April 19, 2026, at the age of 87. She was a resident of Lakeland, Florida, and leaves behind a legacy of generosity, warmth, and a life well lived. JoAnn was born on August 11, 1938, in Pacific Grove, California, to Fred and Ella Grant. She grew up surrounded by family, spending her days swimming in the bay and searching for abalone, helping her parents at their family-owned Philco Appliance and Repair store on Forest Avenue, and lending a hand at her mother's 7-Eleven.
She attended church with her Aunt Pinkie at St. John's Episcopal Church in Monterey and with her Aunt Alice Sullivan and Grandmother MacLeod at Mayflower Church in Pacific Grove. A proud majorette, JoAnn attended Pacific Grove High School and graduated in 1956. In the1960s, JoAnn moved to San Francisco, where she worked at a law firm and met one of her dearest lifelong friends, Carol. JoAnn married Allen Ladd in 1977, and with their daughter, Luci, they built an adventurous life across Florida, living in Lakeland, Royal Palm, West Palm, Hollywood, and eventually settling in Venetian Isles on Tampa Bay in St. Petersburg.
JoAnn managed apartment complexes throughout the state, including Lake Hollingsworth Villas and Manor House Apartments in Lakeland, where she and Allen hosted countless cookouts and made lifelong friends. When her grandchildren, Taylor and Cameron, were born, JoAnn drove to Lakeland daily to care for them until Allen said it was time to call Lakeland home once again. She then volunteered for many years as the crossing guard at Lakeland Christian School, greeting faculty and staff members, parents, and children with a warm good morning as she watched Taylor and Cameron grow up.
JoAnn was a great cook and loved cooking for her family and friends. She cared deeply for those around her and was always generous in helping others. She was preceded in death by her husband, Allen Ladd, and her mother, Ella Tucker. JoAnn is survived by her daughter, Luci O'Byrne (Chris); her granddaughter, Taylor O'Byrne; her grandson, Cameron O'Byrne; her cousin, Kathy Richerson (Ken) and her two beloved cats, Mickey and Sesame. For many years, JoAnn worshipped at Heritage Baptist Church with her family. Her loved ones take great comfort in knowing she is in Heaven, free from pain, resting in the presence of the Lord.
We miss Jo Jo tremendously and can't wait to see her again after standing in awe looking at Jesus face to face.
Per JoAnn's wishes, there will not be a formal funeral, but rather a private family memorial at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lakeland Christian School or Heritage Baptist Church.
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