Jo Shannon, 81

Josephine Joy “Jo” Shannon, 81, of Leonidas, and formerly of Battle Creek, died unexpectedly Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014, at her home. Jo was born Sept. 8, 1932, in Muddy, Ill., a daughter of Hobart A. and Julia A. (Long) Foster.

Jo worked at Clark Equipment Company for a few years and at Bailey Park taking tickets, but mostly worked for the city of Battle Creek, completing permits.

On Aug. 30, 1989, Jo was united in marriage to Erwin Lee Shannon in Battle Creek. In addition to her husband, Lee, Jo is survived her daughter, Dona Jo Pollard of Battle Creek; five grandchildren, Christopher T. Williams with the U.S. Army in Washington, Elisha D. Williams, Ian M. Ismirle, Cazie Jo Ismirle and Shane W. Schermerhorn; 12 great-grandchildren; a sister, Jackie G. Smith of Kalamazoo; and a brother, Ron Foster of Battle Creek.

Jo was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Tom Pollard; a brother, Bill Foster; and two sons, infant Tommy Ronald Ismirle and James Michael Ismirle in 1997.

Jo was a collector of all types of antique glass and loved perusing through antique stores. She enjoyed Scrabble, sewing, loved sunflowers and especially her family. In her early years, Jo won many trophies for her jitterbugging and racing go-carts.

A funeral service to celebrate her life will be officiated by Pastor David J. Farrell 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014, at Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, starting at 12:30 pm. Interment will be held at a later date. Personal messages or memories for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.