“Be the change you wish to see in the world” – Mahatma Gandhi.

Jo Ann Lassiter Kearns, 55, of West Hartford, passed away peacefully Monday, December 12, 2016 surrounded by her beloved family, following a six-month illness. Born November 25, 1961, she was the daughter of Albert E. Lassiter and Hazel Braswell Lassiter of Washington, NC. She received a degree in education from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. With her passion for teaching, she touched the lives of many children throughout the South and Northeast. This will be her lasting legacy. Most recently she was working with special needs children within the West Hartford school system. Jo Ann was involved with both USA and Connecticut Swimming for 15 years. She loved her family, friends, her dogs, the beach, the sun, the water and traveling to new places. All who had the privilege of knowing her were changed for the better. She is survived by her husband, Marshall Cooper Kearns; two daughters, Ann Ragan Kearns and Sarah Cooper Kearns; and her sister, Gwen Lassiter Myers. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, December 16, 2016 at 4:00 pm at St. James’s Episcopal Church, 1018 Farmington Ave., West Hartford, CT, where the family will receive friends. A funeral service will be held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in High Point, NC on Tuesday, December 20, 2106 at 2:00pm. The family will meet with friends after each of the services. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Autism Speaks. Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home, West Hartford, has care of arrangements. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.taylorandmodeen.com.