Josephine Joy "J" Shannon

Josephine Joy "Jo" Shannon Leonidas Josephine Joy "Jo" Shannon, 81, formerly of Battle Creek, died unexpectedly Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at her home. Jo was born September 8, 1932 in Muddy, IL, the daughter of Hobart A. and Julia A. (Long) Foster. Jo worked at Clark Equipment Company for a few years and at Bailey Park taking tickets; but mostly worked for the city of Battle Creek, completing permits. Jo was united in marriage to Erwin Lee Shannon on August 30, 1989 in Battle Creek. In addition to her husband Lee, Jo is survived by her daughter, Dona Jo Pollard of Battle Creek; five grandchildren, Ian M. Ismirle, Cazie Jo Ismirle, Christopher T. Williams with the US Army in WA, Alisha D. Williams, Shane W. Schermerhorn; twelve great-grandchildren; a sister, Jackie G. Smith of Kalamazoo and a brother, Ron Foster of Battle Creek. Jo was preceded in death by her parents; a husband, Tom Pollard; a brother, Bill Foster and two sons, Infant Tommy Ronald Pollard and James Michael Ismirle in 1997. Jo was a collector of all types of antique glass and loved perusing through antique stores. She enjoyed Scrabble, sewing, loved sunflowers and especially her family. In her early years, Jo won many trophies for her Jitterbugging and racing Go-carts. A funeral service to celebrate her life will be officiated by Pastor David J. Farrell 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, starting at 12:30 pm. Interment will be held at a later date. Personal messages or memories for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.