Dr. Jo Ann Walton Parham's Obituary
Dr. Jo Ann Walton Parham passed away in September 13, 2025, just two days shy of her 96th birthday.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel R. and Willie Mae Hugghins Walton; her beloved husband of 54 years, Reverend Robert (Bob) Parham; her daughter, Cindy Parham; her son, Dr. Robert Parham III; and a great-grandson, Thomas Reel.
She is survived by her sons Sam and his wife Kathy Parham, Terry Parham, and Danny and his wife Elaine Parham; her daughter-in-law Betsy Nunn Parham; 14 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Born in Ocala, Florida, on September 15, 1929, Jo Ann grew up in Micanopy and graduated from P.K. Yonge High School. In 1947, she entered the University of Florida as part of the first class to admit women, completing her degree in Education in just three and a half years.
In 1949, shortly before her 20th birthday, she married the love of her life, Bob Parham. They moved to Kentucky, where Jo Ann taught school while Bob attended seminary. After seminary Jo Ann and Bob followed their passion to serve God as missionaries. For more than 20 years, they served as missionaries in Nigeria, where four of their five children were born.
In 1971, after Bob was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, the family returned to Gainesville. Due to Bob’s health condition, Jo Ann returned to school, earning both a master’s degree and a doctorate in Education from the University of Florida. After she obtained her degree, the family moved to Duncanville, Texas where she taught at Dallas Baptist University for 20 years, retiring in 1996 as Dean of Education.
Jo Ann and Bob then returned to Gainesville, where they became faithful members of First Baptist Church. Jo Ann remained active in the church as a deacon and Sunday School teacher and found special joy serving on the Missions Committee.
She will be remembered with deep love and gratitude by her family, her church family, and the many friends and neighbors whose lives she touched.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Gainesville. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Missions Committee of First Baptist Church, Gainesville, Florida.
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