Jo-Anne Ash, 77, of Providence, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully on June 9th, 2025, at Herbert Rehabilitation Center in Smithfield, Rhode Island. 

Born February 13th, 1948, in  Mt Vernon, New York at MT. Vernon Hospital, she was the daughter of the late Lois Jane Pierce-Cox. Just like her mother, Jo-Anne shared a love and passion for Christ and the church. Jo-Anne attended MT. Vernon schools until she relocated to the Bronx. She attended and graduated from Roosevelt High School. She then attended Manpower Training program. After graduating, she became a secretary for the dean at Columbia College, where she met and married Donnie Ashe. After a brief marriage, a few years later, she met Charles Britt, with whom she had a son. Jo-Anne also raised Charles' four children from a previous relationship as her own. 

After being a long-term resident of New York City, Jo-Anne relocated to Providence, Rhode Island. After relocating, Jo-Anne continued her education, obtaining several degrees. She worked at Starbirth in Cranston, Rhode Island, as a charge person, where she helped many women overcome obstacles in their lives. Jo-Anne also worked as a case manager until retirement at ACOS (AIDS Care Ocean State). Jo-Anne was very passionate about helping others overcome hardships, as she overcame many herself. Jo-Anne became a foster mother caring for many young children in the system. She also cared for her great-great-nephew, Kyheir (her "booboo"), for many years. 

She is preceded in death by her mother, Lois Cox of the Bronx, New York; her sister, Jacqueline White of Providence, Rhode Island; and her brother, Kevin Peirce of Florida. 

She also leaves to mourn her children, Jamal Britt (Jeanae) of Taunton, Massachusetts, Christine, Charles the 3rd (Poppy), and Sharon Britt of Virginia, and the late Shardene Britt. Brother Raymond Pierce of Pawtucket Rhode Island, sisters, Adrienne Campbell (Jerry), Michelle Pierce, Montrice Pierce and Sandra Pierce of the Bronx, Grand children, Jazlyn Britt of Warwick, Rhode Island, Khalani Britt and grandson Kylin of Taunton Massachusetts, as well as a host of nieces and great-nieces, nephews and great- nephews.  

If you knew Jo-Anne, you know how fun, loving, and caring she was. If she could help you, she was helping without thinking twice. She was loved by many and will be missed by all.  

Funeral services will be held at Mount Pleasant Funeral Home, 168 Academy Ave., Providence, on Friday, June 20th, 2025, from 12:30 pm -2 pm 

Repast to follow.