SOUTH THOMASTON — Jo-Ann M. Drinkwater, 69, died unexpectedly on July 24, 2016, at her home.

Born in Rockland on April 10, 1947, she was the daughter of Willard and Lilian Myrick Roberts. Educated locally, she was a 1965 graduate of Georges Valley High School.

As a young woman, Jo-Ann had a great love of horses, owning several throughout her lifetime. She took great pride in them and loved attending horse shows all over the state.

Following high school, Jo-Ann began her working career at the family's store, Grierson's Grocery, now Riverside Market, in South Thomaston. She later moved on to work at Port Clyde Canning, where she was employed as a quality control specialist.

An avid giraffe collector, she loved adding to her collection, often traveling great lengths to do so. Family was very important to her and she loved attending game night at Grace Bible Fellowship, where she was very active. Each winter she loved riding in the plow truck with her brother, Bill, during storms.

She would do anything to help others and was a charter member of the South Thomaston Emergency Services Auxiliary. Jo-Ann also had a special place in her heart for her furry companions, especially her kitties, Jill and Sammy, and her dog Zeb. She will be sadly missed by all who loved her.

Predeceased by her adoptive parents, Willard and Lillian Roberts; her birth mother, Beverly Grierson; her aunt and uncle who raised her, William and Frances Grierson; and a sister, Dori Grierson-Foust; Jo-Ann is survived by her siblings and their spouses, Robert “Bobby” and Darlene Grierson, Steven and Karen Grierson, Holly and John O'Donoghue, and Arthur Grierson, all of South Thomaston, Clint and Arlene Grierson of Davenport, Fla., William “Bill” and Kate Grierson of Owls Head, Shari Elwell and Fred Cushman of Spruce Head; many nieces and nephews and her God-children, Ashley Gamage of Vermont and Shawn Gamage of Rockland; as well as a large extended family.

A celebration of her life will be held Wednesday, Aug. 3, at 6 p.m. at Grace Bible Fellowship Church, 30 Sherer Lane in Rockland.

Those who wish may have flowers delivered to the church, or in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Bible Fellowship.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.