Jo Ann Tilley's Obituary
Jo Ann Tilley, a lifelong resident of Dunedin, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, March 2, 2025. Jo Ann was born on October 8, 1932, to Annie Lee Sutton Tilley and Henry K. Tilley. While she loved both sides of her family tree dearly, Jo Ann was particularly proud of the fact that her great-great-grandfather, John A. Sutton, donated the land on which he built what is currently Curlew United Methodist Church and the adjoining Curlew Pioneer Cemetery. He named the church after the pink curlew birds that flocked to the area. The name stuck and is now not only the name of the church, but also of one of the main throughfares in Palm Harbor, Curlew Road.
Jo Ann graduated from Clearwater High School (1950), St. Petersburg Junior College (1952), Florida State University (1954), and received her Master’s degree from the University of Maryland (1959). She was always very active in 4-H, and after college she became a Demonstration Agent for that organization. During her time with 4-H she received a fellowship to live, work, and study in Washington, D.C. at the Department of Agriculture (1958-1959), and spent almost a year in Hawaii in what she called a “dream job”. When she returned home to Dunedin, she began her 23 year career as a teacher for Pinellas County Schools, teaching first at Clearwater High School, then Countryside High School upon its opening, retiring in 1985.
Jo Ann was preceded in death by her parents and her precious pups, Pug, Bing, Tyenee, Lacey, and Gabriel, whom she called “the loves of my life”. She is survived by many cousins and friends that she considered family. Her sweet smile and kind heart will be missed by everyone who knew her.
A graveside service will be held at the Curlew Pioneer Cemetery of Curlew United Methodist Church, where she was a member, on Saturday, March 8, at 11:00 am.
What’s your fondest memory of Jo Ann?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jo Ann?
Share a story where Jo Ann's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jo Ann you’ll never forget.
How did Jo Ann make you smile?
