Jo Ann Harris made her transition to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 with her family by her side. Jo Ann was born February 8, 1947 in Akron, Ohio to James Boyer and Marian Harris.

Jo Ann attended Akron Public Schools. She graduated from the University of Akron with a B.A. in Sociology with a Certificate in Social Work, John Marshall Law School with a Juris Doctorate degree and Ashland Theological Seminary with a Master’s degree in Practical Theology. She was a professor at the University of Akron, NEOCOM of Rootstown and the University of Maryland.

Jo Ann has served on many boards and has been the recipient of many awards, including Outstanding Faculty Member from the Interfraternity and Panhellenic Councils of The University of Akron, Black Women of Excellence from the YWCA, Woman of Distinction for Professional Achievements from Western Reserve Girl Scout Council, Community Service Award from Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, American Council on Education Fellow and was selected as one of 100 outstanding women in Summit County leadership and service to the community. She was also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Akron Bar Association and Akron/Canton Barristers. Her most prized award was her calling from GOD and her ministries.

Jo Ann is now joined with her parents, James Boyer and Marian (Donald) Huey, sisters, Tanya, Toni Boyer and many loving aunts, uncles and other family members. She leaves to mourn her earthly departure her sister Twyla Boyer of Akron, OH, brother James (Lynne) Boyer of Kansas City, MO and her beloved niece and caregiver Tiffany (Matthew) Evans of Akron, OH along with many very special nephews, nieces, cousins and longtime friends.