Jo Ann Allen Houchins passed away peacefully at her home in Forest on September 27, 2025, at the age of 73. She had waged a ferocious war with cancer for over two years.
Born in Springfield, Illinois to Naomi Stillman Allen and Herschel W “Red” Allen, Jo Ann moved to Andalusia, Alabama at age 8 and graduated from Andalusia High School in 1970. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Troy State University and a Master’s of Education for Learning Disabilities from Radford University. She was a beloved educator for 49 years, starting at the Partlow State School in Tuscaloosa, AL. She then taught at the Achievement Center in Roanoke, VA before moving to the Lynchburg area where she taught at Dunbar Middle School for 37 years.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, Herschel “Wayne” Allen, Jr. and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is survived by her devoted husband of 42 years, David, her daughter Joyce Armentrout and husband Randy Armentrout, her daughter Jennifer Houchins and partner Jonathan Chandler, and her grandchildren: Rupert, Aneya and Kenzie Armentrout, Caroline and Elliot Chandler, Christopher and Caroline Pope, and Matthew and Ethan Cummings. Also brother-in-law and sister-in-law Philip and Robin Houchins of Ashland, VA and nephews, Sam, Ben, niece Sarah and their spouses.

Jo Ann was well known for her infectious smile which lit up a room and made many people’s day just a bit brighter. She was passionate about education and recognized and nurtured the potential in each and every student. She used creative techniques to engage children who historically had not met with success in school, such as leveraging the interest in the “Harry Potter” books and films. She used the books in the classroom and, as an incentive for improvement, made arrangements with a local movie theater for a private showing of the current Harry Potter movie for her students! There were pancake breakfasts before SOLs, Moore’s chicken lunch feasts, and one-on-one dinners “at any restaurant in Lynchburg” for exceptional effort. She truly made a difference in the lives of so many kids.

Obviously her love of children extended to her own family. Whether helping with tutoring, buying school supplies, participating in teacher/parent/grandparent conferences, or attending school events, dance recitals, sporting events, or band concerts, Jo Ann was always there for her daughters and grandchildren. She also enjoyed hosting “outdoor movie nights” for her family and friends.

Another passion was a lifelong love of animals, particularly dogs. For the last several years she trained her Pomeranians, Peanut and Wallie, for K9 Agility competitions. Although not as intensely driven as some competitors, her sweet nature and self-deprecating humor ensured a fun time by all. Even so, she reached the Master level of competition with Peanut, proving skill and fun are not mutually exclusive. The local agility community was incredibly supportive of Jo Ann as she dealt with her health issues, and we are so grateful for the great friendships she developed with “dog people”.

Jo Ann’s family would like to express our gratitude to her many friends for their support, especially Richard E, and John, Richard R and Shirley, and the entire CCR community. We are also grateful to the doctors and staff at the Emily Couric Cancer Center at UVA, who provided such outstanding and compassionate care. Lastly, thank you to James River Health and Hospice for their guidance and care during such a difficult time.

Jim Valvano, Hall of Fame basketball coach at NC State, founded the “V Foundation For Cancer Research” in 1993. In a stirring speech at the ESPY Awards that year, he famously proclaimed the motto of the organization was “Don’t give up, don’t ever give up”. Jo Ann certainly never gave up. Her grace and courage were an inspiration to so many.

Visitation with the family will be held at Tharp Funeral Home, 220 Breezewood Dr, Lynchburg, VA 24502 on Thursday, October 2nd from 6-8 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research (https://www.v.org/how-to-help/), or to a local animal shelter of your choice.