Jo Anne Ellison of La Plata, Maryland passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 29, 2020. Our family is comforted as she is no longer in pain.

Jo Anne was born on November 4, 1949 in Riverdale, Maryland. She spent her childhood in Piscataway and relished in being a Southern Marylander her entire life. A passionate educator, she challenged herself to constantly learn and earned her master's and doctorate degrees while working and being a dedicated mother. She was also a leader in the community but most importantly, Jo Anne was a loyal and loving friend, daughter, sister and mother. Her love spread to flowers and birds as well, as she never met one she didn't like. However, many friends may recall her fondness for life did stop at all things requiring balance. Bicycles were not Jo Anne's friends.

Preceded in her death by her parents, Donald Ross Polz and Ann Marie Polz, Jo Anne is survived by her daughter, Shannon May Richmond; sisters, Kathleen Polz Daorai and Helen Marie Dwyer; brother, Robert Ross Polz; and her true love of her life and grandson, Gray Thomas Richmond. She also received endless love from 11 nieces and nephews.

In order to truly celebrate Jo Anne's life, which would be her wishes, we will be delaying her memorial until the Spring of 2021. More information will be provided in the coming weeks.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation via tribute gifts at www.parkinson.org