Jo Ann (Northcutt) Azdell, 92, of Mexico, passed away on February 21, 2026 at home
surrounded by her family. She was born on December 3, 1933, in Mexico, Missouri. She was
the beloved daughter of Harold E. Northcutt and Virginia (Atkinson) Northcutt.
Jo Ann learned the values of hard work and community growing up on a farm northeast of
Mexico, Missouri. She attended Beagles rural school and Mexico High School, graduating in
1951. Jo Ann went on to attend Culver Stockton College and Missouri University, reflecting
her lifelong commitment to education and personal growth.
Jo Ann shared this passion with students as a teacher. She taught at Hedgedale rural
school for two years and Van-Far for five years, where she taught fifth and sixth grade
Students.
On June 2, 1957, Jo Ann married Berry J. Azdell. Together, they established their home on
what is now recognized as a family Century Farm, located near Mexico, Missouri on Route J.
Jo Ann and Berry have cherished their 68 years on this farm, nurturing their family and
creating lasting memories.
Jo Ann dedicated much of her time to volunteer service. At McMillan School, she served as
a volunteer, a Girl Scout leader and a member of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). Jo
Ann also took on the role of church youth leader, providing support and encouragement to
the next generation.
Jo Ann's foremost passion was her family. In her later years, she developed a keen interest
in genealogy, dedicating herself to researching and preserving her family's history. She
compiled genealogical records and created comprehensive family histories for her
daughters, ensuring their family heritage would be remembered for generations to come.
Jo Ann also contributed her research skills and enthusiasm for local history to the
published Audrain County Missouri History Book, taking pride in her community's legacy.
Jo Ann was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Mexico. She was also a member of
the Audrain County Area Genealogy Society, Missouri State Genealogy, Audrain Historical
Society, and Presser Hall.
Survivors include her husband, Berry Azdell, daughters, Sheila (Mark) Thomas of Lady Lake,
FL and Janet (Jack) McBride of Mexico, MO.
She was very proud of her four grandsons, Josiah (Taylor) McBride, Jonas (Natalie) McBride, Andrew (Dominique) Dizon-Thomas, and Colin Thomas; and her 6 great-grandchildren, Naya, Micaiah, Esther, Asa, Africa, and Sanyu McBride.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Virginia Northcutt and her brother,
Randall Northcutt.
A private graveside service will be Thursday at East Lawn Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on Saturday, February 28 at 9:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Mexico, Missouri. Memorials may be given to the First Presbyterian Church in Mexico, MO or the Audrain County Genealogy Society.
