Jo Ann B. Stills' Obituary
JoAnn Stills, a matriarch of love and loyalty, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2026. Born to Wendell and Josephine Beeler on February 11, 1935, in the heart of Illinois, JoAnn led a life rich in family devotion, love and resilience. Her character was woven with threads of unwavering loyalty, thoughtfulness, and generosity endearing to all that knew her. Her independent spirit was matched only by her occasional stubbornness, a testament to her determination and strength. JoAnn was predeceased by her husband and high school sweetheart, Gene Stills (1977).
A lover of seafood and sunsets, JoAnn was an ardent fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and found joy in the simple pleasures of life such as family gatherings, time with her grandchildren and her beloved Beeler Family Reunions. These moments, filled with laughter and love, were the cornerstones of her existence and she cherished every opportunity to be surrounded by her loved ones.
JoAnn, aka Gma’s, legacy is defined by her focus on family loyalty and the importance of familial bonds. Her love and dedication to her family is exhibited by the proud brood she leaves behind. JoAnn’s memory will be cherished by her sons, Jeff (Michelle) Stills and Jed (Patsy) Stills and her daughters, Joni (Gary) Haenel and Jenise (Teddy) St. Pierre; and her grandchildren, Kirsten (Chris) Bendel, Jennifer (Dave) Blount, Thomas Maloy, Matt (Caitlin) Haenel, Wesley Stills, Madalyn (Chase) Stills, Caroline (Tim) Prince, Ella and Brynn St. Pierre. Her love further enriched the lives of her great grandchildren, Hannah, Nick, Brit, Betsy, and Tommy, who brought her immense joy and pride. Each one carries a unique part of JoAnn within them, ensuring her spirit lives on.
In memory of JoAnn’s generous heart, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Head Start, in lieu of flowers. JoAnn was a firm believer in empowering children and families, and supporting this cause would honor her legacy of giving and caring for others. As we honor and remember JoAnn, we celebrate her life, her love and the mark she left on all who knew her. JoAnn’s absence will be deeply felt, but her spirit and the lessons she imparted will remain with us forever, guiding us with the same love and wisdom she shared throughout her life. Her love will stay with us in the traditions she passed down and the bonds she helped shape.
Link to Head Start: https://nhsa.org/donate/
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