Obituary

Jo Ann Youngblood Baird, 99, of Memphis, Tennessee, died in Nashville, TN, on January 1, 2023. Jo Ann was born January 30, 1923, in Boonville, Warrick County, IN. She graduated from the Deaconess Hospital Nursing School in Evansville, IN, and served overseas as an Army nurse during World War II. While she was stationed in Germany, she met an Air Force fighter pilot (Harry D. Baird, Jr) whom she married in September, 1946. They remained happily married until his death in April, 2009. She was active in Second Presbyterian Church – Memphis and the King’s Daughters and Sons. Gardening and books of all types were her great interests. She was well loved by staff and residents at Belmont Village – Green Hills and was described by the husband of a resident as “one of the most extraordinary people I’ve ever met. She will be missed by all.”
She was predeceased by her mother, Mary, and her father, Orian, her seven brothers and sisters (Ione, Janice, Kermit, Randel, Robert, Richard, and Mary Gail), and her husband, Harry. She is survived by her two sons, Randel D. Baird of Charleston, S.C., and John M. Baird (Louise) of Nashville, TN, two grandsons, Jonathan Y. Baird (Mariana) of Keswick VA, and Martin A. Baird, of Los Angeles, CA, and two great grandchildren, Everett Baird and Callan Baird, both of Keswick VA.
The family gives special thanks to the staff at Belmont Village-Green Hills, and to the hospice team from Heart’n Soul Hospice, for their kind, loving, and excellent care given Jo Ann.
Interment will be at Larkspur Conservation,155 Bear Carr Road, Westmoreland, TN at 2:00 pm, February 3, 2023.
What to expect at a natural burial:
Dress for an outdoor hike and wear appropriate shoes.
Use the restroom before you arrive, there is no public toilet or running water.
Carpool to Larkspur - parking is limited.
Plan to arrive 15 minutes ahead of time.
Family and friends will be welcomed at the trailhead by Larkspur staff and volunteers.
The casket or body will be in place at the graveside prior to the arrival of family and friends.
Family and friends will hike up the hill into the nature preserve for the burial ceremony.
Words are shared and the casket or body is lowered into the grave by family and friends.
With guidance the family and friends shovel soil into the grave until it is closed.
Hike away from the graveside and return to your vehicle or explore the preserve.
Leave no trash behind.
Cut flowers are welcome.
Memorials may be directed to Second Presbyterian Church, 4055 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111, to the charity of one’s choice.