JoAnn Watson, 77, of Genoa passed away peacefully at her recent residence at Barb City Manor, DeKalb, on Wednesday, August 19, 2020.

She was born on March 15, 1943 in Marysville, IN to Marvin (Tom) Taylor and Doris (Hodges) Taylor.

She grew up in Henryville, Indiana and married Roger B. Watson on November 27, 1958. Together they had five daughters; Debra Jo, Beverly 'Joan' Protano (Gregory), Vickie Drendel (Steve), Tammy Anderson (Ronald), and Robin Palzkill (Brian). They settled in Genoa following Roger's discharge from the Army in 1964.

JoAnn was an involved and active member of Genoa serving in many roles that evolved as her family needs grew and changed.  She was a Brownie leader when her daughters were young.  She went to work at GIC and The Wood Shop in Sycamore as her children got older.  She was very involved as a volunteer in the Genoa Main Street program, and the Kishwaukee Valley Historical Society serving in many roles including president.  JoAnn was an Alderwomen for over 16 years retiring from public service in 2017.  She received the State of Illinois Women of Achievement award in 2001.

JoAnn enjoyed her family and took great pride in being the grandmother of David Drendel (Bethany), Megan Drendel, Katherine Copp (Bradley), Kevin Drendel, Rachell Anderson, Ali Alsup (Jared), Elizabeth Padgett (Richard), Stephanie Stone (Ryan), Tyler Palzkill, and Natalie Palzkill.  She enjoyed being the great-grandmother to Zachary, Grant, Tennessee, Beckham, Boston, Chase, and Nathan and was excited about the two newest babies due soon.

She is also survived by her brother; Harold (Tom) Taylor and sister-in-law, Christie.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Roger in 2017, and infant daughter, Debra Jo.

The family would like to thank the staff and residents of Barb City Manor, Kishwaukee Northwestern Hospital and Journey Care Hospice for supporting her and the family in ensuring JoAnn's last days were comfortable and surrounded by her family.

Her visitation will be on Sunday, August 23 from 2:00 PM-4:00 PM at Walcamp Outdoor Ministries, 32653 E Five Points Rd, Kingston, IL 60145 with a Celebration of life service at 4:00 PM after visitation.  A private graveside service will be held on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family in care of the Slater-Butala Funeral Home.  A ZOOM link will be available for those who are not able to attend.