Jo Ann Walker, originally from Indiana, Pennsylvania and a long-time resident of Miami Lakes, passed away on April 14.
She was a 14-year employee of The Graham Companies where she held the position of Conference and Catering director for Don Shula’s Hotel and Golf Club prior to her retirement in 1998. Before that, she was a 20-year general manager of the Lakeview Inn and Country Club located in West Virginia.
Jo Ann attended Indiana State University in order to become an elementary school teacher, but she soon found herself called into the restaurant and hospitality industry. It was a perfect fit for her. Throughout most of her career, she held positions of importance and was a well-respected and hard-working employee at several locations and resorts. She is survived by a very large family of friends and acquaintances who will miss her tremendously.
There are no scheduled ceremonies, but her biggest ceremony and legacy will be the memories left behind with all of those who knew and loved her so well. Jo Ann could be tough at times but she was generous to a fault. She would often leave home cooked meals for friends or hotel guests by leaving them on their doorsteps or delivering them upon their arrival home. She was a mentor to many friends and employees at work.
It was not hard to spot her walking Mr. Christian, her beloved pet Schnauzer, throughout the Main Street area day or night. She was truly an amazing woman and the obvious “Queen” whenever she went back to the hotel or restaurant for visits. Just being with her at that time was truly a treat. The love for her was attested to by those who so lovingly cared for and watched over her during her last days before her passing. She will be greatly missed but not forgotten.
Thank you so very much to Oleathia, Ellen, Lisa, Roseanne and Eva for your most kind and loving care. Jo Ann appreciated it.