Joni Marie Epperson

Joni Marie Epperson, 57, of Payson, IL, passed away Thursday, August 10, 2023, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO.

A Funeral Ceremony will be at 10:00 am Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at the Lutheran Church of St. John in Quincy, IL. Pastor Steve Hayden will officiate. Burial will follow at Payson New Cemetery in Payson, IL.

Friends and Family are invited to Joni's Life Celebration at a visitation that will be Monday, August 14, 2023, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the O'Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy, IL.

Joni was born September 22, 1965, in Carrollton, IL to David and Evelyn (Huppe) Thompson.

She was married to Steven Mark Epperson on April 23, 1988, at the Lutheran Church of St. John in Quincy, IL. He survives.

In addition to her husband, other survivors include her parents, David and Evelyn Thompson of Carrollton, IL; four children, Jordan Hogan (Andrew) of Payson, IL, Landon Epperson (Melissa) of St. Louis, MO, Carter Epperson (Ashley) of Payson, IL, and Riley Epperson of Payson, IL; five grandchildren, Drew & Noah Hogan, Genevieve Epperson, and Wesley & Monroe Epperson; one brother, Curt Thompson (Karen) of Mount Prospect, IL; one sister, Peggy Cleary (Kevin) of Barrington, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

Joni was preceded in death by her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Marjorie and Bob Epperson.

Joni was a graduate of Culver-Stockton College, where she received her Bachelor's degree in business. She was also a member of their Chi Omega Sorority. Following college, Joni first worked at Gem City Savings. She went on to be an aide and paraeducator at Payson Seymour Elementary and High School. She later worked in the school library and was employed by the Payson school system from 2005-2023. She was also known for being a babysitter for many area children, but her favorite job was that of being an amazing wife, mother, and Grammie.

Joni's most cherished love in her life was her family. She loved nothing more than following her children's and grandchildren's sporting events and activities, spending time with them in the pool, and reading nursery rhymes to them. The yearly Thompson family vacation was always a highlight of her year, with a couple favorite destinations being the Wisconsin Dells and Disney World. Joni's children and granddaughters always looked forward to Grammie's annual Christmas cookie baking day; this was complete with not only lots of yummy cookies, but matching aprons too! She was also known for making the most delicious sweet tea. In her spare time, Joni liked reading, following Alabama softball, and taking her grandbabies on walks to the park.

Joni was a member of the Lutheran Church of St. John in Quincy. Her faith was always important to her. She fervently prayed for others and always emphasized that "God is good". Joni will be remembered for her love of family, faith, and education.

Pallbearers will be Sean Cleary, Liam Cleary, Patrick Thompson, Chase Epperson, Brandon Frye, Brian Frye, and Brent Frye.

Memorial contributions may be made to Payson Seymour High School Library or the Lutheran Church of St. John.

Online condolences may be shared, and a video tribute may be viewed at www.ODonnellCookson.com.