Jo Ann E. Fagan

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Jo Ann E. Fagan, 87, of North Grafton, on Thursday, March 13, 2025, in Clinton, Massachusetts.

Jo Ann is survived by her daughter Letha B. Fagan Mills, her adored grandchildren, Derrick R. JR, Joshua R, Jennifer R., Anjani C., Kaila M. Richardson, Kameron and Keith W. Green. Her dear great-grandchildren Chenniel, Brianna, Caitlyn, Yeremiah, Elijaah, Autumn, Nicho, Lillyanna, Giovanni, Shalaya, Analiece, Jaeden, Alyssa, Jaela, Kali her cherished siblings, Marlene (Charlie), Francis and Dr. Yvette Fagan; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to her parents, Jo Ann was predeceased by her sisters Karen (Jeppo) Benning, Gayle Fagan, Anita Louis, Lynda Evans and Sisters in arms Beverly A Munn. Her Son Derrick R. Fagan Sr and Grandson Paul Fagan. A special notation for Bev and Joni's next-door neighbors and special friends whom became family. Jochen, Lichun, Betina, Hans and their adored Benjamin Salfeld, without whom their lives would not have been as full.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio on September 11, 1937, Jo Ann was the daughter of the late Robert Fagan and Lillian DeVese-Fagan. Jo Ann was a graduate of St. Francis High School in Cleveland OH. She was accepted to nursing school which she gave up her spot to follow her dreams of dancing. She then moved to Canada in pursue of a dancing career, she danced in the Montreal Ballet, unfortunately her ballet career was short lived due to racism. She later joined the Alvin Ailey company. She was part of the junior company which included being the opening act for Della Reese, Gloria Lynne and Sarah Vaughn, and many others. This allowed her to travel to Europe and many US venues with appearances on Broadway. She worked for Princes house, were she met Bernice they were top seller and recruiter which won her international trips to Hawaii, Aruba and Bahamas. She retired from the VA government office in the late 1990s.

Jo Ann truly loved cooking, baking, arts and crafts, teaching dance to all ages, she was a faithful member for the Charles Street A.M.E church of Boston since late 1960. She joined under the pastorate of Rev. Walter C. Davis. Jo Ann was an active member of the Sarah Gorman women’s missionary society. She was the leader of the Margaret Stewart unit of the missionary society. She was a vocalist and a part of the Mazie Ashford choir. She was a liturgical dance teacher for all age groups and a dancer herself. She organized the annual holiday craft fair for many years, raising tens of thousands of dollars for the church. She was a lecturer and presenter for workshops on all levels of the A.M.E church. She was the member that many bereaved families would request to prepare their meals for their funeral repasts. Jo Ann never charged for her services; she always considered it apart of her missionary work. Rev Groover named her poet laureate at A.M.E where she resided numerous original works for special occasions. Her poems were uniquely catered for each event. Along with the hand-crafted greeting cards for all and any occasions, which she continued to create until her passing.

She became a member of the first United Methodist Church of Westborough after having to care for her sister Beverly. Her cooking skills were quickly recognized and were put to use with many luncheons and backing sales for fund raisers and celebrations. Here she also taught dance to the elderly community of the church, 72 yrs. young, this was her age requirement for her students.

There are no words that can capture how much Jo Ann will be missed.

A period of Calling Hours will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 10:00a.m. until her Funeral Service beginning at 12:00p.m. in The First United Methodist Church, 120 W Main St, Westborough, MA 01581. Interment will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025, after service at Pine Grove Cemetery, North Grafton.