JoAnn was born on June 11, 1953 in Yazoo City, Mississippi, the 4th child of Jessie and Plure Meeks, who both preceded her in death. Loved and mentored in the faith, JoAnn joined St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church where her mother worshipped. JoAnn attended St. Francis Catholic School until integration and graduated from Yazoo City High School in 1971. After graduation, she moved to Chicago, Illinois and attended Malcolm X College and the University of Chicago. In 1973, she began working for Illinois Bell Telephone Company and worked there until 1979 when she transferred back home to Mississippi. After returning to Yazoo City in 1980, JoAnn worked various jobs until she decided to follow her
calling of being a caring and compassionate caregiver. She worked as a private duty sitter and CNA for many years. In 2002, she decided to pursue a nursing career. In 2003 she graduated from Hinds Community College to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. She worked as an LPN until she retired in 2016 from Mississippi Home Care. JoAnn was married to Andrew Owens, but their marriage ended in divorce. JoAnn loved and raised four children: Keith Meeks, Nakia Owens-Williams (Marland), Jamiel Owens, and Brannon Owens, who also preceded her in death. JoAnn was also Preceded in death by her (2) Siblings: Mildred Purvis, and Mary Alice Jones

In addition to her surviving children, she leaves to cherish her memories her siblings: brothers John Meeks (Shirley) of Yazoo City, Vernon Meeks
(Frances) of Jackson, MS, sisters Earlene Smith of Chicago, Illinois, Delores Meeks of Compton, California, and Carolyn Meeks-Williams of Long Beach, California; and her grandchildren: Bria, Larryce, Aubrey, Jakiareyah, Kennedy, Brannon (BJ), Averi, Camron, Shalandrea, Daquarius, Khloe, Matilyn and great grandson Kaizen, who she affectionately called "Stretch". She also leaves behind a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends and a very special aunt, Almeater Swan.