Jo-Anne Wilkie

Posted on November 14, 2019

We are saddened by the loss of local Arts leader Jo-Anne Wilkie.

Jo-Anne was a music teacher at St. Joan of Arc, in Indianapolis, Indiana as well as a choral director for many church and community choirs. Jo-Anne worked for the City of Indianapolis Parks and Recreation Department, coordinating many large-scale events for the city before moving to Michigan in 1977. Jo-Anne served as the Founding Executive Director of the Downriver Council for the Arts. Her career as an advocate for local arts in Michigan continued when she became the Executive Director of the Arts Center in Mount Clemens, where she worked for over 20 years.

Throughout her career, Jo-Anne was always active in her church and community. Volunteering was a central part of her entire life. She held multiple leadership and contributing member positions with St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the St. Clair Art Association, the St. Clair Theater Guild and other community organizations. Jo-Anne continued directing choirs through this past spring. Beyond her personal contribution to the arts and music, Jo-Anne’s true gift to all who knew her was her beautiful voice.

She will be missed greatly by all who knew and loved her.

Memorials may be made to the Community Foundation. Please make checks payable to Community Foundation with Wilkie Memorial in the memo line.