JoAnne Peters

Age 90 of Coal City, Illinois, died unexpectedly on Friday morning, January 27, 2023 at Morris Hospital.

Born February 17, 1932 in Big Stone Gap, West Virginia, JoAnne was a daughter of Henry and Bernice (Barker) Watters. She was raised in Braidwood and Coal City, and graduated from Coal City High School with the Class of 1950. On September 2, 1950, JoAnne married George Thomas Peters in the Coal City United Methodist Church, and together they made a home and raised a family together.

JoAnne after marriage worked at the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant, however later gained employment with the Coal City Schools. She began in the Library, but was employed most of her career as a secretary in the Elementary School Office for more than 30 years until retiring. JoAnne was an active and dedicated member of the Coal City United Methodist Church, where she participated in various groups over the years including Sunshine Circle, Friendship Circle and Bible Study. She was proud to have authored the Coal City United Methodist Church Mission Statement and in addition served as a lay minister. Outside of church, JoAnne bowled for many years on a league and volunteered with the Coal City Food Pantry. She loved yoga, and taught locally, as well as at Inwood Park District through Joliet Junior College for more than 40 years. JoAnne had a passion for reading and writing; took pleasure in fishing, and enjoyed bird watching, particularly the Purple Martins. One who always enjoyed a good cup of coffee, JoAnne shared many great card and poker games surrounded with her dear lady friends. She was also blessed to create many wonderful memories on countless trips with family to Minnesota.

A devoted wife, mom, grandma and great grandma, JoAnne cherished the time spent with her beloved family, and leaves behind a priceless collection of memories with those who were fortunate to know her.

Survivors include her loving husband of 72 years, Tom; two sons: John (Janet) Peters of Coal City and Daniel (Cathy) Peters of Carbon Hill; five grandsons: T.J. (Nikki) Peters of Oak Park, Illinois, Tim (Beth) Peters of Frankfort, Illinois, Ed (Brenda) Strahan and Ryan Peters, both of Braidwood, Illinois and Nick Peters of Coal City, and eight great grandchildren: Jackson, Alice, Daphne, Elliott, Abby, Zach, Addison and Sophia.

JoAnne was preceded in death by her parents; step-mother, Sylvia Watters; one son, James Peters; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Calvin and Joann Peters and one nephew, Calvin Peters.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at the Coal City United Methodist Church, 6805 East McArdle Road in Coal City on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. until time of service, 11:00 a.m. Pastor Jay Regennitter will officiate.

JoAnne will be laid to rest at a later date in Braceville-Gardner Cemetery.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in JoAnne’s memory to the Coal City United Methodist Church or to the Coal City Food Pantry.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share JoAnne’s memorial page online through social media.

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City. (815-634-2125)