Jo Ann Edwards

Jo Ann Edwards of Rock Hall, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 23, 2026, at the University of Maryland Hospital in Baltimore. She was 78 years old. Born on February 4, 1948, in New York, Jo Ann was the beloved daughter of the late Robert O. Linder and Marijoan “Antonius” Linder. She was a proud graduate of Rock Hall High School, class of 1966, and continued her education at Chesapeake College. Jo Ann dedicated many years of her life to serving her community through her work. She began her career at the Rock Hall Shirt Factory in 1975, where she worked as a floor supervisor. In 1985, she briefly worked at the Town Office in Rock Hall before finding her true calling in real estate. Jo Ann spent the next 31 years with Hogans Agency, where she built lasting relationships and helped countless families find their homes. A devoted member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Jo Ann found great joy in her faith. She was known for her grateful heart and often expressed it with her familiar saying, “Thank you God, one more time.” Above all, she cherished time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought her immense happiness. In addition to her parents, Jo Ann was preceded in death by her loving husband, John D. Edwards Sr., and her brother, Lawrence “Larry” Linder. She is lovingly remembered by her children: John D. Edwards Jr. (fiancée Pam Parent) of Rock Hall, MD. Kathi Naumann (Chris) of Rock Hall, MD; Jaynie Orr (Scott) of Fairlee, MD; She is also survived by her seven grandchildren: Hilary and John Dylan Edwards; Kylee and Mitchell Naumann; and Caitlin, Jillian, and Ashlyn Orr; as well as her two great-grandchildren, Mylah Edwards and Pierce Reihl. Jo Ann is further survived by her sister, Carol Ann Knapp of Blowing Rock, NC; her brother, Robert O. Linder Jr. of North Myrtle Beach, SC; and her dear friend, Vaughn Hogans of Tolchester, MD. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, 130 Speer Road, Chestertown, MD. A Celebration of Life will follow at 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2020 McGinnes Road, Chestertown, MD.

Jo Ann Edwards

February 4, 1948 - March 23, 2026