Jo Ann Stephenson

February 20, 1930 - February 4, 2017

Jo Ann (Dempsey) Stephenson age 86, passed away on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at Berkeley Square in Hamilton, Ohio. Jo is survived by her husband, Richard J. Stephenson; two children – Connie J. Walker (Rob) and Thomas G. Stephenson (Susan); four grandchildren – Erin E. Walker, Ross C. Walker (Melanie), Sarah L. Stephenson, and Margaret R. Stephenson; three great grandchildren – Wilson, Liesel, and Hogan Walker; and sister – Colleen K. Durrant (David). Jo was born February 20, 1930 in Hamilton, Ohio to Thomas M. and Irma L. Dempsey. She graduated from Hamilton High School in 1948 and attended Capital University as well as Hamilton Business School. They were married on April 5, 1951. Jo spent most of her life in Hamilton, Ohio where she was a past President and Life Member of the YWCA and active with the Amicitia Club. She worked with her husband at Stephenson Oil Co. She was a member of the Front Street Presbyterian Church. Jo was instrumental in the design and construction of a home in Melrose on Daufuskie Island, South Carolina and served on the Architectural Review Board there. She also designed and built a home at Berkeley Hall, Bluffton, South Carolina and enjoyed many years there before returning to Hamilton, Ohio. Jo was an avid and accomplished bridge player. Also known as JoMomma and Grandma Sugar, Jo was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who embraced, endorsed, and supported her family and friends. The family expresses appreciation and gratitude to all the personnel at Berkeley Square and Hospice of Cincinnati for the care they provided. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to The Presbyterian Church of Hamilton, Ohio, 23 S. Front Street, Hamilton, Ohio 45011, Berkeley Square c/o Community First, 230 Ludlow St., Hamilton, Ohio 45011 or Hospice of Cincinnati, Inc., P.O. Box 633597, Cincinnati, Ohio 45263-3597 Visitation will be Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at Weigel Funeral Home, 980 N.W. Washington Blvd., Hamilton, Ohio 45013 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM followed by a Memorial Service with Dr. John H. Lewis officiating. A Celebration of Life will be held at The Coach House Tavern, 100 Berkley Dr., Hamilton, Oh 45013 following the Memorial Service. Online condolences are available at www.weigelfuneralhome.com