Jo Ann Terrie's Obituary
Jo Ann Terrie, age 79, died peacefully on January 10, 2020 in her hometown of St. Petersburg. She was just 11 days shy of her 80th birthday. Born in St. Pete on January 21, 1940, she was the youngest child of the late Joseph Lafayette Terrie and Ethel Ona Terrie. Jo Ann’s father affectionately called her “Annie,” and she was the apple of his eye. Annie was the beloved and spoiled little sister to the late LM (Laurel Monroe), Dalton, Ruben and Helen.
Mom was preceded in death by our father, Carrol E. Tompkins. They were married 20 years and remained close friends. She also was preceded in death by her youngest child, Joseph “Joey” Franklin Tompkins, which left a huge hole in all of our hearts, especially Mom’s. Remaining here to cherish her are her daughter Carol Ann (John) Poulson and son Willis Edward (Christina) Tompkins, both of St. Petersburg, and her daughter-in-law Valerie Yates of Slaughters, KY. Her seven grandchildren—Kristina, Ryan, James, Ashley, Cody, Jack, and Joey and five great grandchildren will always remember their spunky, cool grandmother, who they called Nan.
Growing up in St. Petersburg during the forties and fifties provided mom with amazing stories that she loved to share. She often described how she rode the bus with her mom to downtown St. Pete where they visited the now historic open-air post office and then ate waffles and shopped for clothing patterns at McCrory’s. Her mother was an excellent seamstress and made most of mom’s clothes. After McCrory’s, they would head to Webb’s City to shop and spy on the mermaids.
As a teenager, mom would cruise around the old Million Dollar Pier in her father’s ’55 Pontiac, fly over thrill hill, and catch rays at the beach. For prom, she bought a beautiful, chiffon green dress downtown at Ruth’s. But by far, her standout memory during this time, was seeing Elvis Presley when she was 16 years old. It was 1956 and Elvis’s breakout year. She forever loved him and his music. She actually saw him once more, just a few months before his death in 1977. Mom loved to sing and had a beautiful voice. She was in the Acapella club at Northeast High School and graduated from there in 1958.
In her early twenties, she and her family moved to Merritt Island where she worked for Terrie Plumbing, her father’s business. During this time, she enjoyed dancing at honky-tonks. Her dance moves were legendary, especially her signature right leg shuffle. Dancing would become a lifelong passion for her.
During the late sixties, Mom met and married our father, and had their first child, Carol Ann. Jo Ann and Carrol quickly launched a new life and career in Orlando. Together, they had two more babies, Willis and Joey, and opened their own building business. Mom and Dad designed and built custom and spec homes in the Orlando area for twenty years. Earning her real estate and broker’s licenses were proud accomplishments for mom. She loved selling houses and “closing” the deal!
Jo Ann did an amazing job of balancing her career and being mom to her three children. She was always there for us, and we had a fun, happy childhood. Being a mom was her favorite role in life, and she was incredibly proud of her children.
Jo Ann’s energy was palpable. She was a go-getter and always got the job done. Mom had a huge smile, boisterous laugh, and a happy, positive outlook on life; always the life of the party. Mom was fierce in her love of family and friends. Her family meant everything to her, and there wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for us. Jo Ann was bright and flashy; her signature red-orange lipstick was her favorite accessory. Jo Ann lived for today! Mom always showed up with positive energy and a cool pair of shoes.
After her busy real estate career and raising her children Jo Ann wanted a change. Wanting to be near her young grandchildren and desiring to return to her roots, Mom moved back to St. Pete. Here, she received her Community Association Manager (CAM) license and worked for a large condominium complex. It was right up her alley.
During her free time, Mom enjoyed spending it with her family and friends. She loved finding a deal at the Wagon Wheel flea market, trying her hand at Seminole Hard Rock Casino, going for pie with her girlfriends, and getting pedicures with Carol Ann. She also loved eating dinner with Willis and Christina and watching their favorite show. Taking trips to Kentucky and putting on her “Grandma Florida” hat was always a special time for her. Later, Mom became the very best backseat driver that ever lived!
Mom’s bubbly energy and unique spirit will live on in us, and we will forever be grateful for her presence in our lives.
What’s your fondest memory of Jo?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jo?
Share a story where Jo's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jo you’ll never forget.
How did Jo make you smile?