Jo Ann (Freer) Waddell

Jo Ann Waddell, age 80 of Morristown, TN, passed away February 11, 2026 at U.T. Medical Center in Knoxville.  She was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church.  Jo, the only child of John and Alma Freer, was raised in Marine City, Mi. Jo married James “Jim” Waddell in December of 1967.  At the beginning of their marriage they lived in New Jersey then returned to Jo’s hometown in Michigan.  They lived many years in Michigan before moving to Morristown to return to Jim’s home state. Jo had many interest including sewing, knitting, crocheting, reading, and bowling.  She loved her family deeply and enjoyed being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Before becoming a mother, Jo enjoyed working as a switchboard operator for both Jersey Bell and Michigan Bell.  Jo returned to work many years later and retired from Lear Siegler in Morristown. Jo is survived by her daughters, Traci (Robert) Shepherd and Cathy (Troy) Chambers;  grandchildren, Devin Bradley, Shantelle (Aaron)Terry, Elizabeth Shepherd, Keegan Chambers, and Tarrin Chambers; great grandchildren, Emma Bradley, Autumn Bradley, Abbagail Solomon, and Paizlee Terry.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. The family will receive friends from 12 – 1 p.m. Monday, February 16th at Westside Chapel Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. with Rev. Dr. Louis “Smokey” Oats officiating. Interment will follow at Bethesda Cemetery. Arrangements by Westside Chapel Funeral Home in Morristown.

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