Jo Ann Canada Briggs, 78, of Suffolk, VA passed on to be with our Lord on March 18, 2009. A native of Waynesboro, VA she was the daughter of the late Robert Henry and Pearle Gardner Canada.
Mrs. Briggs was a graduate of Waynesboro High School. In 1952 she received her degree in Arts & Crafts from Richmond Professional Institute. Following her marriage in November 1952 she and her husband made their home in Petersburg, VA where she taught 2nd and 3rd grade at Walnut Hills Elementary School for several years before the family moved to Suffolk, VA. Mr. and Mrs. Briggs have been active members of Suffolk Christian Church. Jo Ann was a member of the West Memorial Sunday School Class. She was a Sunday School Pianist and was a part of Women's Fellowship groups.

Mrs. Briggs is survived by her husband of 56 years, Herbert L. Briggs; daughters and son-in-law, Sharon B. and Jimmy Fanny, Susan B. Johnson; four grandchildren, Erik Fanny, Jason Fanny, Ashley Johnson, and Brittany Johnson all of Suffolk, VA; brother and sister-in-law, Dr. John and Mrs. Wanda Canada of Wilmington, NC; sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Jay Whitesell of Waynesboro, VA; aunt, Anne Wylie.

A celebration of life service will be held Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 2 p.m. at Suffolk Christian Church with Rev. Michael D. Halley officiating. A private burial will be held at Holly Lawn Cemetery. Friends may join the family Saturday from 6-7 p.m. at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory, 3515 Robs Dr., Suffolk, VA and other times at the residence of Sharon and Jimmy Fanny. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association at P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058 or Suffolk Christian Church, Music Fund at P.O. Box 1457, Suffolk, VA 23439. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.