Jo Ann Porter
October 22, 1959 – October 17, 2026
Jo Ann Porter, 66, of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, passed away on Saturday, October 17, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, just five days before her 67th birthday.
Born Jo Ann Bryan on October 22, 1959, in Taylorville, Illinois, she was the daughter of the late Marcellus Bryan and Irma Lucille McWard Bryan.
Jo Ann lived a full life, and she lived it by her own rules. She embraced life on her terms, never afraid to be herself, speak her mind, or follow her own path. Strong-willed, fiercely independent, and full of determination, she had a personality that was entirely her own.
Above all else, Jo Ann loved her children fiercely. Her love for her family was unwavering, and no matter where life took her, her children always held a special place in her heart.
Her grandchildren were truly the highlight of her life. Nothing brought her greater joy than being a grandmother. She cherished every opportunity to spend time with them, celebrate their accomplishments, and watch them grow. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and the love she had for them knew no bounds.
After graduating from Taylorville High School in 1977, Jo Ann became a beautician for several years in the Taylorville area. She had a creative spirit and a lifelong appreciation for art. She especially enjoyed painting, crafting, and bringing her ideas to life through her own designs. In more recent years, she found joy in creating designs for laser cutting, combining her artistic talents with new ways of making beautiful things. Whether holding a paintbrush or working on her latest creation, Jo Ann loved expressing herself through art and sharing that creativity with others.
She is survived by her three children: Owen (Candice) and their children, Keegan, Karley, Khloe, and Kylie; Katie and her children, Mari, Kache, and Kalijha; and Andrew (Jordan) and their children, Kourtney, Emmalee, Michael, Owsley, Scottie, Oaklynn, Hagen, Ruger, and Maisyn, with another granddaughter on the way. She is also survived by her siblings, Margaret "Mag" Mahan, Kay Medley (Mike), and Carol Mills (Gary), along with extended family and friends who will cherish her memory.
Jo Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Scott Porter, her parents, and her brother, John "Jack" Bryan.
In accordance with Jo Ann's wishes, cremation has been chosen. Her family will gather for a private celebration of her life on Thursday, October 22, 2026, which would have been her 67th birthday.
Jo Ann never needed anyone's permission to live life her way, and she certainly never asked for it. She loved fiercely, created freely, and left a lasting impression on those who knew her. Her life was uniquely hers, and she lived it exactly the way she wanted.
Condolences (1)
Lauri “Locc” Wheatley
As a long time friend of the family since around 2007, Mrs. Jo was one of the few elders left that I could turn to for advice about life. I often would call upon her for her wisdom and guidance throughout the years. JoAnn was remarkably smart and had a swift mind, she didn’t mind sharing her life experiences and I valued her insights. Often I would stop by intending to stay for a moment and end up talking a couple hours away easily, she had an incredible sense of humor and was naturally hilarious with all her wild stories she would tell. We would sit and trade stories for hours sometimes and I’m going to miss that most of all.
I’d like to take this time to send my deepest condolences and sympathy to the family, a person like Mrs. Jo comes once in a lifetime and I’m glad I got to know her. I offer prayers for strength and comfort to you all in this difficult time.