Jo Irvan

Jo Ann Graves Irvan, 88, of Concord, North Carolina, passed away at her home on February 16, 2023.

Jo was born October 6, 1934, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to the late Robert Lee Graves and Margie Massey Graves. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Vic Irvan; son, David Wayne Irvan; daughter, Susan Irvan Lewis; sisters, Donnie Martian and Phyllis Leonetti.

Jo is survived by her children, Sheryl Bradford (Jerry) of Monterey, California; Ernie Irvan (Kim) of Ocala, Florida; Tracy Smith (Kevin) of Concord, North Carolina. She is also survived by her sisters, Pat Dulier of Los Banos, California; Linda Taylor of Gilbert, Arizona; Kathy Riley of Chico, California; brother, Robert Graves of Canyon Dam, California.

Jo was the cherished grandmother of Chad Dotseth (Peggy), Staci Fradette (Justin), Joey Bradford, Jordan Irvan, Scott Smith, Lauren Smith, and Jared Irvan.

She was the great-grandmother or “Cookie Grandma” of Kenslie Dotseth; Zach and Ella Hagler; Skye, River, and Riley Dotseth.

Jo is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

Jo spent her teen years and most of her adult life in Monterey County, California. She moved to Concord, North Carolina in 1982. She worked as a bookkeeper in several businesses with her husband. She owned a fabric store in Concord. She created and managed the Ernie Irvan Fan Club. Her hobbies included driving a race car on the dirt tracks of California in the Powder Puff division, sewing, crocheting, genealogy, playing cards, gardening, and growing beautiful roses. Jo was an amazing cook known for her cinnamon rolls, cheesecake and pecan pie. For many years, Jo and Vic enjoyed cruising to many parts of the world with their racing friends from California. She was a member of Poplar Tent Presbyterian Church and loved providing her pecan pies for the annual BBQ.

The family wishes to thank her longtime companion and caregiver, Cindy, for loving and caring for Jo as if she were her own mother. Also, the recent additional caregivers who gently helped Jo through the last 10 months of her life, Kathy, Tatyana, Joanna, Angie, Jess, Rebecca, Jerra, Cris, Noelle, Brittany, and Angela. Special thanks to Hospice of Cabarrus County for the care and compassion provided to Jo and the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081 or Poplar Tent Presbyterian Church, 6841 Poplar Tent RD, Concord, NC 28027.

The family will receive friends from 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM Tuesday at the Fellowship Building of Poplar Tent Presbyterian Church. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM Tuesday at Poplar Tent Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.