JoAnn Lytle

JoAnn Lytle, age 77, of Marion, IL, passed away at 9:05 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026 in the Carrier Mills Rehabilitation and Nursing Center of Carrier Mills, IL.

She was born on September 30, 1948, at home, in Marion, IL. She was daughter of Robert L. "Bob" and Lillian Mae (McGinness) Cooksey.

JoAnn was united in marriage to Terry Kirk Lytle, of Bridgeport, IL, on May 30, 1970, in Marion, IL and together they shared 46 years of marriage until his death on July 2, 2016.

She began her career working alongside her mother at their family owned restaurants. Later she began working at the Bank of Johnston City which became First Bank & Trust. She left the bank to pursue her love of cooking and serving people by opening and operating "Cooksey's Carterville Café" until her retirement in May of 1994.

JoAnn was a woman of faith, loved Jesus and was a member of the First Church of God of Marion, IL. Her daughters fondly recall her commitment to attending church and devotion to reading the Bible.

She enjoyed camping and traveling with Terry. She also enjoyed spending time outdoors, taking care of her lawn, planting flowers and trees, going to yard sales, playing scrabble, working crossword puzzles and reading avidly. Above all, JoAnn loved her family and used her kitchen to create meals, laughter and lasting memories.

She is survived by two daughters, Mary Jo Pritchard and husband, Christopher, of Marion, IL and Tara Kay Eyestone and husband, Jeramie, of Marion, IL; five grandchildren, Emilee and Benjamin Pritchard, Brayden, Laney, and Macey Eyestone, all of Marion, IL; three brothers, Charles R. Cooksey of Rockledge, FL, Robert L. Cooksey and wife, Barbara, of Johnston City, IL and John P. Cooksey and wife, Beth, of Johnston City, IL; sister, Linda Kay Winstead and husband, Charlie, of Marion, IL;

sister-in-law, Krista Lynn of Brandenburg, KY; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and brothers, Stephen R. Cooksey and Michael S. Cooksey.

Arrangements were entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL.

The time of visitation will be at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

The funeral service will at the funeral home on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Robbey Smith presiding.

Interment will be next to her husband in Rose Hill Cemetery of Marion, IL.

For those who prefer, the family has requested memorial contributions be made to the "Alzheimer's Assocation". Contribution envelopes will be available at the funeral home or may be mailed c/o Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL 62959.

For additional information call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.