Jo Anne Pittman Howard

Jo Anne Pittman Howard was born on December 3, 1959, in Smithfield, North Carolina, to George Thomas Pittman, Sr., and the late Lizzie Belle Griffis Pittman. From an early age, Jo Anne was known for her kind spirit, loving heart, and joyful nature. She grew up in a close-knit family and received her education in the Wake County Public School System, where she formed lifelong friendships and began developing the warmth and generosity she would one day become known for. As a child, Jo Anne joined Springfield Baptist Church, where she first accepted Christ and began her spiritual journey. Later in life, she moved her membership to Willow Springs Free Will Baptist Church, faithfully serving and worshiping there for many years. Eventually, Jo Anne returned to Springfield Baptist Church, where she rekindled old connections, embraced new ones, and joyfully used her God-given gift of singing as a member of the choir. Music brought her deep happiness, and she loved lifting her voice in praise. Jo Anne was blessed with an extraordinary talent for cooking—a gift that touched countless lives. She dedicated more than 30 years to the Toot-N-Tell Restaurant, where she became beloved by coworkers and customers alike. Her warmth, her humor, and the pride she took in her work made her a fixture in the community. After leaving Toot- N-Tell, she continued her service at Café 3000 at Wake Medical Center for over 20 years. There, too, Jo Anne’s presence was a source of comfort and joy to many. Her professionalism, dependability, and compassion left a lasting impression everywhere she went. Jo Anne had a smile that could light up any room, and she greeted everyone—family, friends, and strangers alike—with genuine love. Her familiar greeting, “Hey, sug!” became her signature phrase, a reflection of the warmth she carried in her heart and shared with the world. She believed in treating people with kindness, and she had the ability to make others feel seen, valued, and loved. Outside of work, Jo Anne enjoyed a rich and vibrant life. She loved to dance and especially cherished the moments she spent dancing with her daughter Aisha’s line dance group, the TrusoulSteppers. Her radiant energy and enthusiasm brought joy to everyone around her. Jo Anne also adored shopping, singing, and celebrating life’s simple pleasures. Yet nothing meant more to her than the time she spent with her family and friends. She found her greatest happiness in being surrounded by the people she loved and in making memories that will forever be treasured. On December 5, 2025, Jo Anne peacefully completed her earthly journey and entered into eternal rest with her Lord and Savior. While her physical presence will be deeply missed, her spirit, her love, and the beautiful legacy she leaves behind will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She now walks in divine peace, embraced in God’s everlasting light. Jo Anne leaves to cherish her precious memories her husband, Johnny Howard; two daughters, Aisha Phipps of Clayton, NC, and Sakena Brown of Lillington, NC; her father George T Pittman, Sr. of Garner, NC; two sisters, Earlene Allen (Neal) of Clayton, NC, and Diane Pittman of Garner, NC; and two brothers, George Pittman, Jr. of Garner, NC, and Robert Pittman (Evette) of Duncan, NC. Her greatest joys—her five beloved grandchildren, De’Aveon Williams, Aijah Williams, Zaharah Williams-Phipps, Loyalty Brown and Immanuel Phillips —will forever carry her love in their hearts. Jo Anne’s life was a testament to faith, kindness, and joy. She touched countless lives with her smile, her cooking, her compassion, and her presence. Although she is no longer with us in body, the memory of her love, her laughter, and her beautiful spirit will remain etched in our hearts forever.