On learning of Jo's death, Archbishop Desmond Tutu sent a tribute to her memory as follows:
“We give great thanks to God for God’s faithful servant Jo Thandi Emery. She worked in Johannesburg in the 1960’s, knowing about the viciousness of apartheid at first hand. She was deeply caring and compassionate and was appalled by its toll on African family life and on individuals. She was committed to its demise and when she returned to England continued to be involved in the anti-apartheid movement. It was because of persons such as she that we are free today. Thank you Thandi. Well done good and faithful servant. Rest in peace and rise in glory" Amen.