Jo Ann Nicholson

Jo Ann Nicholson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, niece and friend, quietly slipped away peacefully on Tuesday, November 20, 2019, in Marion, Illinois, with her loving family by her side. She was eighty-three years of age.

Jo Ann was born in Williamson County on Monday, November 9, 1936, as the daughter of Loren and Evelyn (Turner) Springhart. She proudly graduated from Marion High School, Class of 1955 and would remain active with her class and its members for the rest of her days.  She will always be remembered by all who knew her for her loving nature, quick wit, and infectious laugh. 

On July 2nd, 1960, she married James (Jim) Nicholson, and together they shared three children, and loved their way through more than 55 years of marriage. Jo Ann was devoted to the care and happiness of her children, and was actively involved in their various sporting events.  Jo Ann worked In area daycare centers for several years, she became known as "Granny Jo" to many of the children.
In her spare time Jo Ann loved working in her flower gardens and watching the hummingbirds.

Left behind to treasure Jo Ann’s memory are her children, daughters Dana Marlow and husband Doug of Marion, Janna Rasmussen of Marion, and son Jimmy Nicholson and fiancé Jeri Hale of Marion.
Jo Ann also leaves behind a wealth of grandchildren, who were the light of her life, including grandsons Dustin Whitehead of Marion, David Whitehead and wife Rachael of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Wyatt Nicholson of Marion.  She also leaves behind granddaughter, Lezlie Nicholson of Cabet, Arkansas.

Jo Ann is also survived by her great grandchildren, great-grandson Landen Whitehead, and great-granddaughters London, Laila, and Olivia Whitehead. She leaves behind Aunt Mildred RIchey of Marion, as well as with many loving friends.

She was preceded into Eternal Life by her loving husband Jim, her parents, and granddaughter-in-law Christina Whitehead.

Services celebrating the life of Jo Ann Nicholson will be held on Sunday, November 24, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. at Blue Funeral Home in Marion, with the Reverend Roger Odom officiating.  Those wishing to call upon the family to pay respects may do so from 12 p.m. until 1:30. Burial will follow at Coal Bank Springs Cemetery in Williamson County. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Coal Bank Springs Cemetery Fund and can be made at the funeral home.