Jo Nell Wilkins

She was born at home on December 24, 1937 in Lexington, Tennessee to Ray Lester and Gladys Mae Wilkins. Her parents moved to Chicago for work when she was 5 years old, they lived downtown where the L trains ran. Years later they moved back to Tennessee for a short time before moving back to the suburbs of Chicago in Summit, Illinois. She spent most of her childhood years growing up in Chicago, but loved the freedom of living in the Tennessee countryside.

As an adult, she worked hard and had various jobs as a school bus driver, kool aid factory worker, toy store worker, but was most well known for her time as a porcelain doll maker. She maintained her own business, Blessed With Dolls, and held classes to teach others the art of doll making. Her dolls became prized possessions as she would occasionally enter them in shows, rewarded with ribbons and awards.

After she retired, she found joy in being a grandma. Her favorite pastimes were vacations to Tennessee, weekend sleepovers, going out for ice cream, back to school shopping, and taking them to church.

Her love and devotion for Jesus was no secret. She was involved in the church choir which often travelled. When she could no longer attend church in person, she would watch service on TV and take communion every Sunday. She lived a full Christ -centered life.

Jo Nell is survived by her son; Danny (Cruz) Shearin, daughters; Heather (Dave) Hagee, Heidi (Rodney) Ward, grandchildren; Melissa (James) Theesfeld, Johnny Shearin Jr., Sharlie (Tanner) Woods, James (Jessica) Blackwood, Josh (Lili) Blackwood, Emilie Blackwood, Danny Shearin, great grandchildren; Westin Theesfeld, and Everly Theesfeld.

Jo Nell was preceded in death by her son Johnny Shearin.