JoAnn Bell, 76, of Washington, passed away at her home at 11:11 a.m., Friday, March 25, 2011 with her family by her side.
JoAnn was born on August 26, 1934 in East Peoria to Jack and Lena Brown Maloney. She married Richard Bell in Peoria on February 15, 1964. He survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Ann (Greg) Yakle of Rochester, IL and Janet (Jeff) Leman of Morton; one son, Jim (Kelly) Bell of Santa Cruz, Bolivia; her step father, Raymond Lescher of Danvers; three sisters, Jackie Lewis of Bloomington , Carolyn (Don) DeLaRosa of Morton and Laraine (Larry) Muzik of Pontiac; one brother, Raymond (Debbie) Lescher of Bloomington and seven grandchildren.
JoAnn was an artist, drawing had always been her passion. She attended the American Academy of Art in Chicago and later worked in retail advertising in Chicago and Peoria.
In 1967, JoAnn became a full time mom and took up watercolor painting. She received numerous awards at the shows she participated in. JoAnn then began teaching art workshops and classes in the Washington area.
JoAnn was a member of Grace Bible Church in Washington and trusted Christ as her Saviour. JoAnn then would sign her paintings with His words; John 15:5 was her favorite.
JoAnn was also a member of the Illinois Art League and had served on its board for several years. She was also a member of the Peoria Art Guild.
Funeral services for JoAnn will be held on Monday, March 28, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Grace Bible Church with Pastor Adam Kipp officiating. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Memory Gardens, south of Washington. Visitation for JoAnn will be on Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at Mason-White Funeral Home and on Monday one hour prior to services at the church.
Memorials for JoAnn may be made to Land O’Lincoln Camp Cederbrook in Dixon, Illinois.
Those family members serving as pallbearers will be Jim Bell, Jeff Leman, Greg Yakle, Zach Wenger, Cameron Leman and Jeff DeLaRosa.