On Tuesday, July 8, 2021, The Sapphire-Whitewater community lost an integral family member. Joanna "Jo" Irene Cross Brooks passed away at approximately 8:30 that morning, Due to ongoing health complications. Her final moments were spent in Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva, NC after a series of stays and releases.

Jo was born on March 30, 1961, in Mexico, Missouri, to Betty and Jim Cross. She managed a full-time job in the mental health field while caring for her son as a single mother. In her late 20s she transferred from Las Vegas to Brevard as a consultant for various Mental Illness treatment facilities. Her son attributes the solitary cross-country move to her adventurous, "not afraid of anything" personality. "Mom closed her eyes and pointed to a spot on the map" where her finger landed on the small towns of the Blue Ridge Mountains, she came to call home.

Jo is remembered as a symbol of strength and compassion. She instilled her deep love and care for others, not only in her son, granddaughters, and grandson, but in the lives of all the families she has touched throughout the years. She changed occupations to home improvement, subcontracting, in her 20s and formed deep friendships with many of her clients. When not tending to her business, Jo spent her time with her family or enjoyed the mountains she adored on horseback or with a fishing pole in hand.

It is difficult to find a soul in the community which does not remember her fondly. Jo was deeply involved with the Sapphire Whitewater Community Center for over a decade. While there she frequently engaged in community-wide fundraisers, holiday events, 4H gatherings, and other community-enriching activities. She was especially concerned with the damage that additions could bring to the area. Jo has been both an advocate for and a caring friend during multiple peoples' effort to seek treatment for substance abuse.
Jo is survived by her son, Anthony "Tony" Brooks, granddaughters Ciera, Catlin, and Elliana Brooks; grandson, Nathan Brooks; and her partner of nine years, Jeana Baumgarner. A service will be held in her memory at Cashiers Baptist Church on August 7th. The Receiving of friends is scheduled to begin at 1:00 pm.