Freda “Jo” Stepp (Cook), age 85, of Poplar Branch, NC, died peacefully at home surrounded by her family on July 3, 2015. Jo was born in Oceana, WV, Wyoming County, on August 15, 1929, to the late Wanna Creed Cook and Willa Virginia Dawson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Norman and infant daughter, Julia Jo. She moved to Poplar Branch with her devoted husband, Jimmie Stepp, Jr., in 1986. Jo was primarily a homemaker, however, she worked at several organizations throughout her life, including the Rose Tree in Grandy, the US Post Office, and her first job – at the Piggy Wiggly in Oceana, WV. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the United Methodist Women, and was an active member of the Bridgeport United Methodist Church in WV and the Sharon United Methodist Church in Poplar Branch, NC.
Jo not only conducted Sunday school classes for many years, but she also was extremely active in managing the Meals on Wheels program; she was a secretary for the Historical Society at the Whalehead Club, and she volunteered for many programs at the Sharon United Methodist Church. Her talents were many, including sewing, baking, cooking, crafting, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many. Her generosity and charitable approach to life influenced so many in her family and those around her.
She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Jimmie (Jack); daughters, Leah J Trippett and Dena D Jakubosky (Tom); son, Wes Stepp; six Grandchildren, Brittany L Frenzel (James), Jackie R Stepp, Taylor Balderson, Alexandra (Allie) W Stepp, Jennifer L Jakubosky, and Eric T Jakubosky; brother, Dale Cook (Louise), and many cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends.
The family would also like to thank the many caregivers who provided so much love and support for Jo and her family, especially to those who helped recently: Ushana Williams, Christina Lewis, Andrea Miller, John Sanchez, Carrie Jones and the Community Home Care & Hospice.
There will be a memorial service to celebrate the life of Freda Jo on July 20, 2015, at 2:00 pm, at the Sharon United Methodist Church, 275 Poplar Branch Road, Poplar Branch, NC. A reception at the church will immediately follow the service.
Twiford Funeral Home, Manteo is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Twiford Funeral Home, PO Box 595, Manteo, NC, 27954 and also at www.twifordfh.com.
Contact Information:
Twiford Funeral Home (Outer Banks)
500 Budleigh Street, PO Box 595,
Fax: (252) 473-3392
Email: David.Jr@TwifordFH.com
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Robert Perine
To Dena and family, So sorry for your loss. She was a fine lady and I know will be missed! May the peace of God cover your family at this time God bless you. Bobby Perine
Gail and Craig Liebig
Remembering your family at this time of loss of your sweet mother. You are our hearts with love and in our prayers. May God grant you strength and Peace at this difficult time.
Buck Williams
Sorry to here about Jo, she was very sweet lady, my prayers & thoughts are with family.
Artesa Cooper (Co-worker)
Leah, I was saddened by the news of your dear mother’s passing. I pray that the Comforter gives you and your family peace during your time of bereavement. My thoughts and prayers are with you. 2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
Michelle Frame
To Leah and the whole family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I wish I could make it to the service…but you will be on my mind on the 20th.
With my sincere sympathy!
Michelle Frame
Barbara Burns
I am so sorry about your lost. I remember all the good times that Dick and I spent with both of you Jim. She will be missed.
Phyllis (Francis ) Clark
Jack, I am so sorry to hear about Freda Jo’s passing. Remembering you and your family in prayer. I remember both of you so well from our younger years. She was such a sweet person.
Anita Lundell
To Leah & Family,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sally Hoadley & Jimbo Abbott
Jim, we are so very sorry to hear of Jo’s passing. She was such a lovely lady. Our family has you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Kathy Hicks
My dear friend Dena and your entire family – I pray for strength and faith for all of you during this sad time of loss. God has welcomed his Angel Freda “Jo” back home and she is at peace.
Lisa Hall
My condolences to your family. Jo was a spiritual mentor to me. She had the ability to see God’s spiritual gifts in people and helped guide us to help other others. Wes I can remember her saying she how much she enjoyed baking for the restaurant. Jo will always be remembered for the love she had for others. She is dearly missed.
Sharon Lewis
Miss Jo was a wonderful lady. She will be greatly missed.