Jo Ann Cooley's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Jo Ann Cooley, age 91of Charleston, went to her Heavenly Home on Friday, August 2, 2019. The Memorial Service, honoring and celebrating her life, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 8, 2019 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 902 Cleveland Avenue in Charleston, with Pastor Ken Hoover officiating. Visitation will be held at the church for one hour prior to the service. A private inurnment will be later at Mound Cemetery in Charleston. In lieu of flowers, Jo's family would like for donations in her honor be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church or to the American Cancer Society. Gifts may be left at the visitation/service or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Jo was born January 18, 1928 in Charleston, Illinois, a daughter of the late Daniel Lee and Ida Helena Augusta (Aufdenkamp) Queary. Her marriage to Ronald Cooley on May 1, 1947 began a new and blessed chapter in Jo's life, one that would continue for 72 years. In addition to her loving husband Ron, she is survived by two devoted sons, Randy Cooley of Rio Rico, Arizona and Jeff Cooley and wife Joyce of Charleston; two grandchildren, Nate Simpson and wife Kelli of Lerna, Illinois and Kelly Davis and husband Todd of Danville, Indiana; 6 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and very special friends, Rick and Sharron Waltrip. In addition to her parents, Jo was preceded in death by her stepfather, Floyd Story and two brothers, George and Merle Queary. Jo has been a life-long Charleston resident, graduating from Charleston High School, attending Eastern Illinois State Teacher's College, and for many years, assisting customers who relied on her expertise when buying that special gift at the Mar-Chris Gift Shop located on the Charleston Square. As a life-long member of Immanuel Lutheran Church her faith was deeply rooted as she was the oldest surviving member of one of the church's founding families. She has been actively involved in the church and cherished the love and fellowship of her church family, especially those attending the Wednesday morning bible study. Jo was an avid reader and enjoyed traveling but it was her family which gave her the greatest joy. As a wife, mother and grandmother, she was the matriarch of her family and one that led by example. Her life was a testament to her faith and her love and devotion for family and friends. She will always be dearly missed and so fondly and lovingly remembered. Memorial ServiceThe Memorial Service celebrating the life of Jo Ann Cooley was held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 8, 2019 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Charleston with Pastor Ken Hoover officiating. Organist, Carla Thomas accompanied the congregational hymns of ""I'm But a Stranger Here"", ""I Know That My Redeemer Lives"" and ""Amazing Grace"". Inurnment was held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 9, 2019 at Mound Cemetery in Charleston. Visitation Immanuel Lutheran Church Thursday, August 08, 2019 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Email Details 902 Cleveland AvenueCharleston, IL 61920 Directions Memorial Service Immanuel Lutheran Church Thursday, August 08, 2019 11:00 AM Email Details 902 Cleveland AvenueCharleston, IL 61920 Directions
What’s your fondest memory of Jo?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jo?
Share a story where Jo's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jo you’ll never forget.
How did Jo make you smile?