JoAnn Poignard Stikes

Special Honorary Achievement

Jo Ann Stikes, daughter of Johneva and Rozelle Poignard, was born in Louisville, KY, home of the Kentucky Derby, Muhammed Ali Museum, mint juleps, bourbon, and tobacco. Jo Ann has three brothers and four sisters, all college graduates and productive citizens. Thank you GOD, Mom and Dad, GODLINESS, education, respect for self, “move your feet” concern modeled by JESUS and Frederick Douglas, fun loving adventures in a rich environment of African American businesses from birth-hospital, to death-cemetery, gave us strong, positive, self-esteem, no matter the segregationist practices.

Jo Ann attended the University of Louisville, graduated from Akron University, BS, and Marygrove College, Detroit, MI, Masters. She worked in city, federal governments, YWCA, Louisville, KY; Ft. Hayes Army Base, Head Start, Columbus, OH, in home day care and as a fifth grade teacher in Ravenna, OH.

Jo Ann is very active in the congregation, Church of Christ, Summit Road, Ravenna, Junior Worship teacher, substitute teacher, visiting, calling members, card ministry, food pantry, clothing giveaway, delivering meals, groceries to sick/shut-ins, Brookdale weekly Bible Study, assisting where needed.

OSU Junior Master Gardener/student classes, lunch buddies/students, science textbook committee, V. Mathews/Skeels Community Center Summer Enrichment Program, 2015, raised garden with KSU Nutrition students for seniors, summer VISTA teacher, tutor/school terms, Martha Holden Jennings Scholar, volunteering/lunchroom Willyard were other exciting activities. She is a member of the Skeels Board/Seniors’ Club, Akron Urban League, Muhammed Ali Museum Center, NAACP, ORTA, PCRTA, Portage County Historical Society. She also spoke at the African American History Program, Who’s Who Among American’s Teachers, treasurer, Ravenna Visiting Nurses, Friendship House, McElrath Improvement Center.

JoAnn and Norman Sr. were married 35 years. There are four children, Norm Jr., Joan, Gina and Jennifer—Ravenna Ravens, all National Honor Society members, sports, band/piano—eight grandchildren, three great grandchildren. Gardening, biographies, studying the Bible, concerts, museums, travelling, visiting with family wherever, seniors, mission work in Ochos Rios, Jamaica, West Indies—with gracious wonderful residents, an eight day family cruise.

It takes the village to raise a child/community. African Proverb.

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