Pastor Jo Ann is also a native Georgian.  She has worked in ministry for over 30 years.  For more than 25 years, she has been engaged in ministry work that addresses the needs of Children, the homeless, and those dealing with food insecurity in locations around the country.  Her vision led to the founding of Hope XPress, Inc. which is a non-profit organization and fore runner of Hope XPress Community Church.  For over 16 years, she has led the effort to provide mentoring, scholarships, workshops and book bags and school supplies to needy youth throughout rural towns in Georgia and in other states.  She has served on the Board of the Downtown Cluster of Congregation which planned and collaborated to meet the needs of homeless and at-risk citizens throughout Washington, D.C.  She also served on the Board of Directors at Calvary Health Care, which provided certified clinical and rehabilitative services to citizens in various areas of need, such as alcohol and substance abuse and HIVAIDS.  She and Pastor Alfred founded Hope Xpress Community Church, Inc. to spread the message of the Hope in Jesus Christ to Atlanta communities and the world through encounters that meet spiritual and physical needs.

She received her Bachelor of Science degree at Fort Valley State University and her Master of Religious Studies from Howard University School of Divinity.  After over 30 years of public service in the federal government, Pastor Jo Ann transitioned to full-time ministry and non-profit service to expand the influence and outreach of Hope Xpress Community Church and Hope Xpress, Inc.  One of Pastor Jo Ann’s great passions is serving those in need such as the homeless and others on the margins of society.  She believes we are blessed to serve and that giving is the essence of living.  Pastors Jo Ann and Alfred have been married for 50 years and are the proud parents of three (3) adult sons, and seven (7) grandchildren.