Tributes
Jo Ann Brown Sorensen (née Brown) was born on June 28, 1940, at the old Booth Hospital in Covington, Kentucky. She was the daughter of the late Joseph H. and Mildred Brown (née Allen). At an early age, her family moved to Hebron, Kentucky, where Jo Ann enjoyed a wonderful childhood growing up on the family farm.
Jo Ann is survived by her loving husband, Edward; two children, Don (Kim) Wilson and Julie (Frank) Baker; two stepchildren, Kelli (Jamie) Archer and Sara (Kirk) Rienke; and her brother, Charles A. Brown. She was also blessed with nine beautiful grandchildren and one special great-granddaughter, Kayla.
Jo Ann cherished traveling with her husband, with favorite destinations including Boothbay Harbor, Maine; Charleston and Folly Beach, South Carolina; Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; New Orleans, Louisiana; and the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. She especially loved walks along the sandy beaches of South Carolina, exploring Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine, visiting Civil War battlefields, and spending time with family—always appreciating the beauty of sunrises and sunsets.
She attended grammar school in Hebron and was proud to graduate from Boone County High School in 1958 as part of the first class to attend all four years at the then-new school.
Jo Ann had a long and distinguished career. After graduating, she began working for Western & Southern Insurance. She later served in several key roles for the state of Kentucky, including at the Day Treatment Center in Crittenden, as the business manager of the women’s prison in Belleview, and finally as the chief secretary for the Probation and Parole Department in Covington. Over her 35-year career with the Kentucky Corrections Cabinet, she received numerous honors, including the 1978 Commissioner’s Award for “Exemplary Contribution to Corrections in Kentucky” and recognition as Outstanding Employee for “Service, Dedication, and Excellence” in both 1990 and 1998. In 1998, she was also awarded the American Red Cross “Help Can’t Wait Award” for saving a choking child during an emergency.
Her dedication to public service extended beyond her professional life. Jo Ann helped co-found Union Rescue as an EMT and later served with the Florence Rescue Squad, eventually becoming its chief.
Following retirement, she continued giving back as a volunteer for over 23 years at the Dinsmore Homestead, where she led school tours and participated in special events. She hoped to inspire in young students a love for history and their local heritage.
Jo Ann had a deep love for animals and was rarely without the companionship of a pet. She was a devoted member of the Florence Baptist Temple.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 22, at the Florence Baptist Temple, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. and the funeral service at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jo Ann’s memory to the Dinsmore Homestead
Florence Baptist Temple
1898 Florence PikeBURLINGTON KY 41005
Florence Baptist Temple
1898 Florence PikeBURLINGTON KY 41005
Jo Ann Brown Sorensen
Address: ,Jo Ann Brown Sorensen
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Condolences
You will be missed by many,and it was a pleasure knowing you, Debbie Baker
With Fond Memories
We will all miss JoAnn and her kind smile.
With deepest sympathy and love.
Gail Romero-Baker
Brandi and Megan Baker
Goodbye to my beautiful grandmother
My grandmother was truly one of a kind. I will forever cherish the family gatherings at my grandparents’ house for Christmas and birthdays, where the food was always plentiful, delicious, and freshly made by her and my grandfather. As a child, I was accompanied by Ed and Jo Ann on many wonderful adventures throughout Hebron/Cincinnati; including the conservatory and war memorials, and was taught the history of where I am from as well as the people who came before me. There was never a time where I didn’t stop to listen to stories of Jo Ann’s life. Her loss is reflected through our family and everyone who knew her, she was seriously the best. To my grandma Jo Ann, her family, my family, and my poppa Ed, I love you forever. I will always hold on to your memory and impact you left on our world. It’s never goodbye, just see you later. ❤️
Goodbye my old friend and co-worker
I worked with Jo Ann for 20 years at the Probation and Parole office in Covington. She helped train me as a new officer and then was indispensable as she helped manage our 7-county district after I was promoted to district supervisor. Jo Ann met Ed when he became an officer in Covington. Their loving relationship was truly a gift from Heaven. I will always have fond memories of you Jo Ann.
From Bob Brown
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