Mrs. Jo Ann Royster

WAUCHULA - Mrs. Jo Ann Royster, 82, passed away Sunday, June 3, 2018 at Heart of Florida Hospital in Sebring, FL. Mrs. Royster was born December 18, 1935 in Fort Meade, FL and moved to Wauchula, FL in 1976 from Fort Meade. She was a member of the Fort Meade High School graduating class of 1954, and went on to further her education at Orlando Business School. Mrs. Royster was a lifelong member of the First Church of God in Fort Meade, and was the organist and pianist of the church since she was 13 years of age. Music was a large part of Mrs. Royster's life, and she shared her talent to thousands of people throughout her lifetime. She was the organist for the community singing group, "The Lower Lighthouse," which was sponsored by the First Church of God of Fort Meade, and the group appeared on WFLA-TV Channel 8, at 12:30 p.m. each Sunday afternoon in the early 1960's. Mrs. Royster also helped countless numbers of people through difficult times with her music while serving many years as the organist for Dan L. Moody Funeral Home in Fort Meade.

Mrs. Royster was preceded in death by her parents, Calvin M. and Clara Weeks Barnett, Sr.; brothers, Calvin M. Barnett, Jr., Robert Barnett; sisters, Louise Fisher, Mildred Brewer, Janiece Rogers.

She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Gene Royster, Wauchula, FL; son, Kevin Eugene Royster, Wauchula, FL; daughters, Phyllis Ann Ritenour and husband Dave, Indianapolis, IN, Karen Sue Bowmaster and husband Kevin, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; brother, James Barnett and wife Iona, Bowling Green, FL; grandchildren, Anthony Eugene Royster, Brintley Austin Royster, Nicholas Charles Ritenour, Michael Chad Parks, Dylan Taylor Parks, Chelsea LeeAnn Bleck, Brittany Danielle Thomas; one great-granddaughter, Ellie.

Visitation will be held 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 9, 2018 at the First Church of God, 215 S. Perry Ave., Fort Meade. Memorial services will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the church sanctuary with Rev. Travis Risner officiating.

Hancock Funeral Home, Fort Meade, FL 863-285-8171