JoAnn Crawford Kerr

JoAnn Crawford Kerr, 87, a former resident of rural Buncombe, IL, passed away Friday morning, October 1, 2010, at 8:37 AM at Parkway Manor in Marion, IL. JoAnn was born October 21, 1922 in the Eight Mile community near Carterville, IL, the daughter of Charlie Clyde Crawford and Daisy Mary Stocks Crawford. She attended Eight Mile Grade School, Carbondale High School, and received her training and registration as a Nurse from St.Louis City Hospital Training School for Nurses in 1945. JoAnn worked at Anna State Hospital, later known as Choate Mental Health Center, from 1955 until her retirement in the early 1980's. She married Harry Milton Kerr from Buncombe, IL, who was then serving in the U.S. Navy, on June 23, 1944 in Pensacola FL. In 1947 they moved to a farm near Buncombe. Harry preceded her in death on December 25, 1999. JoAnn is survived by her children: Kathryn Kerr, Bloomington, IL; James Kerr (Bonnie), Vienna; and Marie Kerr Emery (Joseph), Gainesville, GA; grandchildren: Melanie Jones (John), Goreville; Angela Jones (Brent), Buncombe: Derek Kerr (Erin), Buncombe; Nancy Kerr (Kyle Sessions), Berkeley, CA; Sarah Palmer, Berkeley, CA; and Margaret Kerr-Emery Trimble (Aaron), Gainesville, GA; and great grandchildren: Assiah Mercer and Alyssa Jones, Buncombe; Cassandra Jones and Clayton Jones, Goreville; and Tristan Kerr, Buncombe; Additionally, JoAnn is survived by extended family including Bonnie's daughter Shayne of Carmi, IL and her son Henry of Metropolis, IL as well as many nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, JoAnn was preceded in death by her sisters, Mary Ellen Stipe and Virginia Jackson; and her brother, James Stocks Crawford. JoAnn was baptized into her parents' church, Carterville Christian, at the age of 12, and maintained her membership there until later uniting with the Vienna First Baptist Church. JoAnn was a member of the Red Hat Society. She enjoyed gardening, reading, and spending time with her family. JoAnn was an excellent cook. She loved preparing many of her favorites for family and friends. She was especially noted for her fried chicken and chocolate pies. Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning, October 5, 2010, at 11 AM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Dr. Ed Hollis and Rev. Bill Gholson will officiate. Burial will be in the Mt. Zion Cemetery, near Buncombe, IL. Visitation will be from 5 PM - 8 PM Monday at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Memorials may be made to the Heather Harper Treat Memorial Cancer Fund, PO Box 98, Vienna, IL or to the Mt. Zion Cemetery Fund, c/o Owen Lee Webb, 1900 Mt. Zion Road, Vienna, IL 62995.

JoAnn Crawford Kerr

October 21, 1922 - October 1, 2010