Obituary: Jo Ann Abbott-Dail
Jo Ann Abbott-Dail, 86, of Newport, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2026, at Crystal Coast Hospice House. She was born on December 4, 1939.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 25th from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home, 702 North Queen Street, Kinston, North Carolina. A graveside service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Westview Cemetery, 2681 Hillcrest Road, Kinston, North Carolina.
Jo Ann was a woman known for her generous heart, warm spirit, and deep love for others. She spent much of her life caring for those around her, both personally and professionally. She worked as a crossing guard and was the proud owner of Abbott’s Country Buffet, where she shared her gift for cooking with the community. Jo Ann found great joy in painting, entertaining, and preparing meals for those she loved. She was especially known for making the best banana pudding, a treat that brought comfort and smiles to many.
Her greatest passion was nurturing others, especially children. Jo Ann believed deeply in treating others with kindness and compassion, living her life guided by her faith in the Lord and Savior and the principle of doing unto others as she would have them do unto her. She welcomed everyone into her home and her heart and considered them as part of her family.
Jo Ann was preceded in death by her first husband, Verner Alton Abbott; her parents, Beatrice White Garris and Raymond Lee Garris; and her brothers, Donnie Ray Garris, Larry Lee Garris, and Kenneth Earl Garris.
She is survived by her loving husband, Donnie Dail; her children, Melanie Abbott, Teresa Heath (Chris), and Verner “Fella” Abbott (Tracy); her stepchildren, Todd Dail (China) and Hope Whitley (James); her grandchildren, Verner “Quint” Abbott (Rachael), Harley Herring (Andrew), Jordan Abbott (Krysta), Mackenzie Staten, Ava Dail, Jay Whitley, Waylon Dail, Eason Whitley, and Lettie Dail; and her great-grandchildren, Madilyn Herring, John Colby Abbott, Clayton James Abbott, and Everley Herring. She is also survived by her sister, Julia Riley; her cousin, Jerry Williams; and many beloved nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends who held a special place at her table and in her home.
Jo Ann’s legacy of love, generosity, and kindness will live on in all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Crystal Coast Hospice House, 100 Big Rock Weigh, Newport, NC 28570.
Arrangements made by Edwards Funeral Home & Cremations. Online condolences may be made at www.edwardsfhc.com.
