Joretta Lynne Curtis, affectionately known as 'Jo' or 'JoJo' 63, peacefully departed this life on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at her home. She was born on June 9, 1961, to Floyd William and Eloise Delores (Tate) Curtis, carrying the namesake of her beloved maternal grandfather, the late Joseph Tate. As the middle child, Jo was known for her quiet strength, radiant spirit, and beautiful long hair. She spent her early years in Westdale Terrace Courts before moving to Upper Dayton View, where she attended Cornell Heights Middle School. A proud graduate of Stivers-Patterson Co-op High School, Class of 1979, Jo briefly pursued studies at The University of Toledo before beginning her professional journey. Jo dedicated many years of service to the late Dr. William Connors Family Practice before transitioning to General Motors Truck and Bus, where she worked for over 15 years until the plant's closure in 2009. She was most recently employed with Premier Health. Beyond her career, Jo's greatest passion was her family, especially her only daughter, Jarren Jene', and her beloved granddaughter, Dylan Jene' -the absolute apple of her eye. There was nothing she cherished more than spending time with them, showering them with love, wisdom, and laughter. Jo had an undeniable gift for nurturing both people and plants. Her green thumb was legendary, and her home was filled with vibrant, thriving greenery that reflected her warmth and care. She was known for her ability to make anything grow, just as she nurtured the lives of those around her. A true lover of life, Jo found joy in the simple pleasures-cooking up delicious meals, filling rooms with laughter with her off-the-wall sayings, and creating the perfect atmosphere with good music playing in the background. She was a passionate sports fan, an ardent supporter of the NY Yankees and Serena Williams. Her favorite music artist was Prince. Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd (Billy) Curtis and Eloise (Bae/Rick) Curtis; maternal grandparents, Gertrude and Joseph Tate; paternal grandparents, William and LilliBell Curtis; niece, Jo'lon (Fatt Katt) Calhoun; and nephew, Charles Curtis. She leaves behind a loving legacy carried on by her daughter, Jarren Jene' (at home), and her precious granddaughter, Dylan Jene'; her devoted siblings, Bruce (Antionette) Curtis of Dayton, OH, and Yolonda (Lon) Curtis of Cary, NC; cherished niece Nadia (Michael) Swann of Princeton, TX; Mac Calhoun (Cary, NC), and Antonio Collier (Dayton, OH); great-nieces Noah and Noelle Swann (Princeton, TX); great-nephew Dominic Swann (Princeton, TX); and great-great-nephew Dominic Swann Jr. (Princeton, TX). She is also survived by her first cousin, Roger Tate (Sidney, Australia), and her childhood sister-friends: Montenna (Tenna) Arnold-Porter, Debi Bass, Eula Moore, Vicky Robertson, Carita Lawrence, and many more who became family over the years. 

Joretta's loving spirit, green thumb, and infectious laughter will be deeply missed, but the roots of love that she planted will continue to grow in the hearts of those who knew her.