JoAnn Blackburn Grant, affectionately known to friends and family as Joie, Jo, Aunt Jo and Grandma Jojo, peacefully passed away surrounded by her loved ones on June 2, 2025, in Provo, Utah at the age of 78. Born on November 26, 1946, in Kanab, Utah to parents Ralph Laddie and Erlene (Sorensen) Blackburn, JoAnn was the heart and soul of her family. Throughout her remarkable life, she exemplified strength, kindness, and unwavering devotion to the people she loved.
JoAnn's life journey was one that revolved deeply around family. First married to Richard Klein in 1966, JoAnn later found everlasting love when she was sealed to Bradford Grant for time and all eternity in the Los Angeles Temple on June 2, 1972—a union filled with enduring love and companionship that spanned over 5 decades here on earth. Her greatest joy was her role as a mother to her four children—Aaron Grant, Heather (Dru) Morgan, Aimee (Brian) DeLuccio, and Joshua (Cally) Grant. Her unwavering love and support for them extended further to an ever-growing family of 20 grandchildren—Wriley, Parker, Briar (Brad), Maddy (Marc), Autumn (Hayden), Savannah, Chad (Olivia), Cassidy (Sterling), Payton, Chloe (David), Max, Vince, Charlie, Aubrey, Jack, Marty, Amelia, Taylor, Raegan and Ladd, 8 great-grandchildren—Lily Jo, Bennet, Opal, Knox, Dorothea (Dottie),Simon, Banks and Reggie with a ninth great-grandchild (Jet) expected soon (and we know she is loving on him right now before we get to meet him).
JoAnn spent the majority of her childhood and adult life in Torrance, CA living in the same home on Cricklewood St. for close to 70 years. She attended South Torrance High School graduating in 1964, she then went on to complete cosmetology school. A gifted cosmetologist, JoAnn's career was as vibrant as her personality, bringing beauty into the lives of her clients. She worked around the South Bay with her longest and most cherished run at Leon's in Redondo Beach. Later in life she and Brad moved to Utah spending a short time in Highland and Payson before settling in to a brand new home in Elsinore, Utah which was a long time dream come true. Her nurturing spirit and heartfelt kindness extended far beyond her immediate family. She had a true heart of gold and deeply loved those around her. JoAnn was a devoted and faithful servant, deeply rooted in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where her presence was greatly valued and deeply cherished and where she made eternal friends who became family. She served in many callings, but her favorite was serving in the Primary as Sister Friendly and she is fondly remembered by many for this role.
JoAnn’s unconditional love reflected the heart of her Savior, Jesus Christ. Her steadfast faith assured her that the bonds of love with family and friends would endure forever.
An irreplaceable member of her loving family, JoAnn's warmth and light touched everyone she encountered; from her cherished siblings, sisters, Bonnie (Bruce) Harris and Mary (Bob) Alcorn and brother, Ronald (Michele) Blackburn, to her in-laws in the extended Grant family, to countless nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews in the evergrowing Blackburn and Grant families, to the friends and neighbors who came to view her as their adopted family member. Many have commented that JoAnn instantly made them feel loved and accepted, no matter what. Grandma Jojo radiated strength, unconditional love, and a boundless generosity of spirit. Her deep love for her family truly defined her, and she leaves behind a beautiful tapestry of cherished memories.
Services to honor and remember JoAnn will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Orderville Chapel, located at 35 S Center St, Orderville, UT 84758. A viewing will begin at 12:00 pm, followed by memorial services at 1:00 pm. Graveside services will take place immediately afterward at Orderville Cemetery. Arrangements made with Mosdell Mortuary.
Serving as pallbearers are Dru, Brian, Parker, Chad, Max, Vince, Jack, Marty, and Ladd. Honorary pallbearers will be Charlie, Marc, Brad, Hayden, David, Ben and Sterling.
JoAnn was a central piece of the Grant family. Her quick wit and the warmth of her laughter, love, and strength will be deeply missed, but her spirit will forever remain ingrained in the hearts of all those she touched.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff at Sevier Valley Dialysis Center for their compassionate care and support.
https://zoom.us/j/97420346002?pwd=rZC5y4BGc9ON8rlfR38DytR40hzXb8.1
My heart is sad for my dearest high school & church friend. She was my maid of honor at my wedding in 1963.
Her family will be in my heartalways.