JoAnn Telford a.k.a. "Babygirl" was born on October 12, 1974 to the parents of Doreatha Phifer and Eugene Calvin in St. Louis, MO. She joined East Side High School and worked as a chef in a few different stores around the city. Though she rarely cooked, anytime she did you wouldn't be disappointed! The family loved her baked homemade cakes. She loved to wear her burgundy hair, with the baby hairs swooped with no room for imperfection and forever carried on some sweet scent that will leave you guessing, "Whose smelling so good?!"

JoAnn was a loving daughter, sister, mother, aunt and grandmother. She leaves behind three children, (Bryan Hicks, Joneshele Pendleton and Davina Tompsett), joins another in a better place (Michael Pendleton Jr.), and three grandchildren (Bryan Jr, Christina, and Ca'Mia). She loved them all unconditionally and taught her children those subtle life lessons that only a great mother could.

JoAnn had a very big family with many siblings. She had few friends. Her closest friends were her sister Latonya and Reatha Telford. She was a beautiful spirit who could never stay mad at anyone for even a full day. She was extremely caring and was always there to provide comfort.

JoAnn departed this life on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 12:48 P.M. Though she is no longer here with us physically, she will live on spiritually and in our hearts. She showed us how important family is and to never judge anyone but instead, open your doors to those who need help. She lived life one day at a tie searching for joy. Her departure only shows us that the Most High needs her unique light more than we do at this time. JoAnn will truly be missed.