Jo Ann Davis Langdon, 87, of Washington Court House died Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in Columbus after a brief illness.
Jo was born on July 2, 1936, in Fayette County to Martin Grove and Kathryn Persinger Davis.
She was a graduate of Washington High School, then attended The Ohio State University where she graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Music. She held numerous elementary music teaching positions in Ohio, Massachusetts, Minnesota and Nebraska including hosting her own PBS television show produced in Omaha and shown throughout the school district. Following her teaching career, she obtained an Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies. She had a distinguished 40-year career as a paralegal with two prestigious law firms in Omaha, NE and Columbus, OH. In addition, she ran a successful independent tax business for many years in Washington C.H.
Music played an instrumental role in her life. Her high school musical career culminated with a performance of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue played in conjunction with the high school band. She also had a distinguished music career at Ohio State including a performance of Handel’s Messiah with a 400-voice university chorus and served as the accompanist for the Symphonic choir. She was inducted in the music honorary, Delta Omicron. Locally, she was the pianist for many years for both the Fayette County Choral Society and the Cecilians music club. She used her musical talent to benefit many organizations in the community. She performed in concerts throughout the area playing solos, piano duets and accompanying many local musicians.
Another one of her great passions was gardening. She was a member of the AOGC garden club of Fayette County. Jo designed an extensive, lovely English garden at her beloved home; having over 100 roses, her favorite. She won multiple blue ribbons at the Fayette County Fair for her roses. She participated in several garden tours and her garden was a favorite among local photographers. Jo was well known for her beautiful flower arrangements which she generously shared with others.
Jo moved back to Washington C.H. in 1993. She was a very active member of the community. She was proud to serve on multiple boards, committees and charities. Notably, she was an active member and trustee of the Fayette County Historical Society, member and trustee the First Presbyterian Church, member of Kappa Alpha Theta, DAR, Phi Beta Psi and the Washington Country Club. Jo will be remembered for her razor-sharp focus on whatever task was at hand. Even more so, she will be remembered as the epitome of elegance and grace, a true lady born of a past era. Jo’s diverse group of friends was a testament to her extraordinary talents and interests.
Jo was preceded in death by her first husband, James M. Fox, her second husband, James K. Langdon, her sister, Elizabeth Jane Davis and stepson Paul Langdon.
She is survived by her sister, Dinah Miller of Dayton, OH; her son, Charles M. Fox and Brenda Gerleman of Wichita, KS.; two daughters and sons-in-laws, Kathryn and Michael Beier of Hendersonville, TN and Dinah and Rhett Jaehn of Virginia Beach, VA; grandchildren, Nicole and Matt Fox, Sarah and Lauren Beier, Harrison, Davis and Carter Jaehn; step-daughter and son-in-law Lorraine and Chris Hull of St Louis, MO; step-daughter Lisa Arko of Narberth, PA; step-sons and daughters-in-law James Jr and Katherine Langdon of Minneapolis, MN and Steve and Kathy Langdon of Lincoln, NE and David Langdon of Mesa, AZ.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 214 N. Hinde Street, Washington C.H. A burial at Washington Cemetery and a lunch in Persinger Hall, First Presbyterian Church, will immediately follow the service.
Friends may call at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington C.H. Friday, April 26 from 6-8 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to programs important to Jo: The Fayette County Ohio Historical Society, 517 Columbus Avenue, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160; The Big Blue Bus Program at Washington Court House City Schools, 306 Highland Avenue, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160; or the Fayette Community Chorale, c/o Maggie Glass, 5694 Plantation Circle, New Holland, Ohio 43145.
www.kirkptrickfuneralhome.com
