Obituary of Jo Ann Cline Yates

Jo Ann Cline Yates, a lifelong resident of Chattanooga and devoted community volunteer, passed away on November 15, 2022 surrounded by her loving family and friends. Born on December 22, 1930, Jo Ann devoted her time and talents throughout her lifetime to the Chattanooga community serving on many boards, advisory boards, and fundraising committees. Jo Ann was especially passionate about education and providing opportunities for children and young adults to develop into servant leaders and enrich their own communities. In 1986, Jo Ann endowed the Walter M. Cline Jr. Chair of Excellence in Rehabilitation Technology at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s College of Engineering and Computer Science. In addition to her work in the area of education, Jo Ann supported numerous organizations related to family services and the arts. Jo Ann was recognized for her lifetime work by a proclamation from the Tennessee State Legislature, being named Philanthropist of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (Southeast Chapter), and being named a Woman of Distinction of Greater Chattanooga. Jo Ann was preceded in death by her mother, Clara Lee Boles, and grandparents John and Edna Webster. Jo Ann was also predeceased by her loving husband Walter M. Cline, Jr. (d. 1984) and her loving husband Pierce A. Yates (d. 2007). Jo Ann will be remembered as a wonderful Bonus Mom by Haley Cline (Ty) Morgan, Cathy Cline, Brewster Yates, Leigh Ann Yates, Sheri Yates (Bob) Wood, Pierce (Amy) Yates. Many grandchildren and great grandchildren will treasure their fond memories of “Nana,” as will Jo Ann’s cousin Carol Elam(Richard) Dillard. The family will be forever grateful to the devoted nurses and caregivers that supported Jo Ann during her final illness, as well as for “Jo Ann’s Tribe” of friends who provided comfort daily. Services will be held at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Lookout Mountain, TN on November 29th at 4:00 with the Reverend Robert Childers officiating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jo Ann’s honor to the Church of the Good Shepherd, the Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy, Montessori Elementary at Highland Park or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are by Wann Funeral & Cremation Center at the foot of historic Lookout Mountain, St. Elmo. To share memories, photos or condolences please visit www.wannfuneralhome.com (423) 821-7551