Jo-Ann Valerie Rust, 81 born on March 15, 1941 in Harlem, New York passed away on March 2, 2023 at home. Jo-Ann was one of the two loving children born to Hope and Ivan. She later moved to Boston, MA where she was raised by her aunt Catherine.
A phenomenal woman she was. She overcame adversity and strived for her ultimate greatness by accomplishing a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and a Master’s Degree in Education. She marched with Martin Luther King Jr., wrote lyrics for a Patti Labelle song, was an activist for Women’s Rights, a 4th grade teacher at Green Street Elementary School and worked at MCI Framingham Women’s Prison.
Survived by her daughter’s Valerie, Gigi, and Sherri, son-in-law Tracy, grandchildren Angelina, Takia, Nyasha, and Hope, great grandchildren Jayden, Nayla, and Nicholas, lifelong partner Toni Johnson, best friend Janet Johnson and so many other relatives and friends loved by her.
Celebration of Life to be held at Casper Funeral Home located at 187 Dorchester Street in Boston on Friday, March 31, 2023 from 12PM - 2PM.