Josephine R. "Jo" Zimmerman

Josephine "Jo" R. Zimmerman 1925—2017
Josephine "Jo" R. Zimmerman, 92, of Freeport, IL, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on the Lord's Day, Sunday, October 29, 2017. She was born May 10, 1925, in Freeport to Mark and Harriet (Clarke) McLeRoy. Josephine graduated from Freeport High School in 1943. She married Milton Zimmerman on October 21, 1950, at the Freeport E.U.B. Church. Her last three years were lived at Heritage Woods of Freeport. We are truly grateful for the dedicated Heritage Woods staff and residents who were a part of making these extremely enjoyable years. At an early age, she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and her faith became the focal point of her life throughout the years; never wavering and continually following God's plan and direction for her life. Her life Bible verses were Proverbs 3:5 & 6. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not to thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." Josephine's membership and service with First Baptist Church of Freeport spanned over 46 years. At FBC she was involved in Sunday School teaching, the mission board, and Awana ministries. She very rarely missed Sunday services (am/pm) and Wednesday night prayer meetings. Her faith and discipline were exemplified numerous times as she read through her Bible throughout the years following a yearly reading schedule. Josephine's greatest attributes were her positivity, humor, inspiration, selflessness, and her devotion to her family. Her frugality, extremely strong work ethic, and common sense with financial matters were outstanding, at times almost to a fault. Based on her obsession with the color blue, she became known as the "Blue Lady" to many. She took pride in remembering facts and details of all sorts! In later years, she would humorously share with others that her name was "Trouble." She also evolved as a die-hard Cubs fan and rarely missed watching the games. Raising her three sons (Dennis, Dean, and Dana) became her number one priority in the 50's and 60's; during this time she worked various part-time jobs. Josephine assisted her husband with his business, "Kitchens by Zimmerman," throughout most of the years of their marriage. From early 1970's until 1990, Josephine worked at Knight's Office Products Center. Upon Mr. Knight's retirement and at the age of 65, she began a 16-year employment stint as a part-time ward secretary at Stephenson Nursing Center and as a part-time payroll specialist/bookkeeper at Dr. DeBush's office. Throughout the years she cherished family times with her husband, sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. During her final years at Heritage Woods, she proudly displayed a wall tapestry of her 10 great-grandchildren. She is survived by her sons, Dennis (Linda) Zimmerman of Colorado Springs, Dean Zimmerman of Freeport, and Dana Zimmerman of Freeport, and daughter-in-law, Mary Kay Zimmerman of Freeport. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Kristen (Brent) Cunningham, Bethany (Grant) Bell, Amber (Greg) Cunningham, Theo Smith, and Teresa Zimmerman, along with 10 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are nieces and nephews. Josephine was preceded in death by her husband, Milton Zimmerman, in August of 1992, and grandson, Scott Zimmerman, July of 1974. Also preceding her in death are all her siblings; sisters, Ada Harlacher, Dorothy Hartman, Dot Julian, and brothers, Dr. Thomas McLeRoy, and Mark McLeRoy.
Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, November 3, at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport. On Saturday, November 4, memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Freeport. Burial will be held at Crane's Grove Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established in her name at First Baptist Church. Please sign Josephine's guestbook and share a memory at www.burketubbs.com.