Photo courtesy of Adams Funeral Chapel - Charleston
Jan 18, 1928 - Aug 2, 2019
Dear Ron, you and Jo were always so kind to me, always with sparkles in your eyes and smiles on your faces. My condolences to you; your loving partner is still smiling and sparkling.
Debbie Hesterman
August 28, 2019
Dear Ron, Randy, and Jeff,
I was so sad to hear of Jo's passing. She was such a warm, wonderful, giving person. However, even though it's sad knowing I won't share something chocolate with her again, her memory will forever bring a smile to my face. I can't think about Jo without remembering all the laughs we shared at Mar-Chris. What did I learn from Jo? I learned not to sweat the small stuff. I learned that reading books can be fun, not just something I had to do for an English...
Charles Middleton
August 16, 2019 | Charleston, IL | Friend
Dear Randy and Jeff,
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother.
Joann always held a special place in my heart. She
was like a second mother to me when my folks moved.
Yes, she has always been a prolific reader. I was always
borrowing books from her. And that was 50 years ago!
It was good to see she had grandchildren and great-
grandchildren. She must have been a wonderful
grandmother.
Deborah Olson
August 08, 2019 | Neillsville, WI | Friend
Randy and Jeff, I just wanted you guys to know that I'm thinking about you during this time. Your Mom and Dad were great folks and played an important part of my life during our wild and wooly days at EIU. You were blessed to have her for so long. My deepest sympathy and warmest regards.
Michael Carter
August 06, 2019 | Missoula, MT
We will miss Jo so much!! So thankful we have the great memories of vacations,birthday's, and Christmas Eve's to fondly remember. She was the epitome of grace . RIP Jo, we love you, Shar and Rick.
Sharron and Rick Waltrip
August 05, 2019 | Westfield, IL | Friend
Enjoyed getting to know Jo and Ron at Beals breakfast. Sorry for your loss. Prayers love and hugs to family.
Jane (Gail sister) Siegrist
August 05, 2019 | Hoffman, IL | Family
She was a great friend to my Johnson family as well as myself. She and Ron attended all their funerals including my parents! What a wonderful loving and caring person. Always asked "how I was"..God gained a very faithful Christian person! Immanuel as well as the Charleston community, will miss her greatly!!
Diane Johnson Halsey
August 04, 2019 | Charleston, IL | Friend
We are deeply sorry to learn of Jos passing. She was a dear friend who brought much joy and laughter into our lives. In every way, was a valuable and treasured member of the Mar-Chris family. Mike and I send our sincere condolences to you Ron, Jeff, Randy, and the rest of the family.
Mike and Marcia Goff
August 04, 2019 | Friend
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.
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