JoElla Grace Root

JoElla Grace Root, 91, from Peoria, IL. passed peacefully to her heavenly home on Tuesday October 26, 2021 in Charlottesville, Va. with her daughter at her side. JoElla was born on January 28, 1930 in Peoria to the late Grace M. (Lindquist) and Kermit E. Wasson. In addition to her parents, JoElla was preceded in death by her brothers, Donald Graham & James Graham. JoElla graduated from Woodruff High School in Peoria & was employed in the bookkeeping department at Jefferson Bank before raising her two children. She worked hard to provide for her children and her household. She was later employed as the office manager at Associated Family Physicians in Peoria until her retirement. JoElla lived a full life with family and friends. She loved her family who she proudly doted on. She enjoyed her winters in Longboat Key, Fl with friends, going on cruises to numerous islands and South Africa where she had the memory of a lifetime, riding a camel! She loved gardening and planting her favorite flowers (she said playing in the dirt was the best therapy), baking (known especially for her chocolate pie & brownies), Bingo & cards with friends. She loved shopping & teaching the girls in the family how to shop to get the best bargains. We will never forget. JoElla often spoke her mind but believed in integrity, accountability, morals and values and working hard for what you want in life. She taught her family these life lessons. JoElla is survived by her brother David Graham in California, daughter Marilyn May (Richard) of Palmyra, Va., son Carl D. Root Jr. (Toni) of Washington IL., her 8 grandchildren, Brett Draper (Michelle) of Silverdale, Wa., Chad Draper of Chillicothe, IL., Robert Draper (Ann) of Bradenton, Fl., Melinda Shanton (Roy) of Strasburg, Va., Amy Bedwell of Metamora, IL., Marcy Rowley (Michael) of Sugar Grove, Ohio, Melissa Perhay (Corey)of Washington, IL., and William Sharpe (Lori) of Peoria, 21 great grandchildren, 12 great great grandchildren, several nieces & nephews & a cousin. A graveside service and memorial will be held at a later date at Parkview Cemetery in Peoria.