Jo Ann West Merced

Jo Ann West, the fifth born to the union of Isiah and Minnie Lee West on October 17, 1967.
Jo Ann grew up with her family on the infamous Beverly Hill Street in Piney Point, Houston, Texas. She was quiet and shy but loved to have fun. Jo Ann and her younger sister, Lorraine, were inseparable. When you saw one, you saw the other. Jo Ann graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1986. She then attended Wilfred Beauty Academy. Although Jo Ann ended up not pursuing a career in cosmetology, she always had a “flare for hair”. She kept her hair in the latest styles.

Jo Ann was gainfully employed in various industries. Working at Target for over 12 years; TJ Maxx for 5 years and Omni over 6 years. She then pivoted and became a caregiver for her friend’s mother, Mrs. Mary Foley, for 5 years until her health started to decline. Even then, she still did work for her brother, James.
Jo Ann gave birth to her one and only child, Michael Jamal Smith on June 1, 1993. Later on, Jo Ann married her soulmate, Richard Merced, on April 15, 2014.

Jo Ann was preceded in death by both her parents, her brother Jimmie “Ray” and her sister Lorraine.

Jo Ann leaves to cherish her memory her devoted, faithful and caring husband,
Richard; her beloved son, Michael; Five step children: Richard Jr; Carmen; Alanna; Lorenzo; and Diamond; three siblings: Karmen Laws (Ronnie); James “Bubba” West (Rosalind); and Helen Alridge (James); several nieces and nephews; numerous relatives/cousins from Bedias, Dallas, Texas City and Seattle, Washing-
ton. Jo Ann shared a special bond with Lorraine’s grandson, her great nephew, Lawon West, who she loved dearly. Last but not least, Jo Ann has left a host of close friends who will miss her beyond words.