JoeAnn Shrum

• Family, loved fiercely and without apology.

• A table set to impress, always looking forward to the next gathering.

• Beauty everywhere—from sunrises to Christmas décor.

• A good book, watermelon, and a rousing game of Rummy.

• Always dressed to the nines, with mauve nails and lips, and miniature-sized free cosmetics.

• A hot pan of brownies.

• Hummingbirds, flowers, and the magic in both.

• A strong belief in being on time – if you’re on time, you’re late.

• A competitive spirit, whether it was in a bowling league or cheering at grandkids’ dance recitals and

soccer games.

• A love of Dunkin’ coffee – her car wouldn’t run without it in hand.

• The magic of homemade meals, made from scratch with a secret ingredient: her touch.

• A love for a full head of green rollers and gorgeous red hair.

JoeAnn was born in Bernie, Missouri, one of 10 siblings, growing up on a farm before moving to the city. She spent many days picking cotton, pulling weeds, and driving the tractor.

In 1953, she married Lester Shrum, Jr. in Hernando, Mississippi, and together they built a family that grew to include children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She was a self-taught nurse and office manager, working alongside Dr. Biel for 30 years. She ran the practice like a well-oiled machine and made every patient feel like family. She was Dr. Biel’s right-hand lady, helping care for the Chicago Bulls—no big deal, just another example of her extraordinary life.

Later, she worked as a hostess at Ruby River Steakhouse until the age of 85, always welcoming others with her signature smile, buckets of peanuts, and a little Keith Urban on the jukebox. Known as "Grandma Joe" to everyone, she made sure that life was filled with love and laughter, and that no one ever left without feeling special.

In every moment, she showed us what it means to live fully, love unconditionally, and laugh endlessly. She was the heartbeat of her family and will be remembered for the warmth she brought to every room and the love she poured into every relationship. We'll never forget her smiling face and the way she made us feel like the most important people in the world.

Many of us miss her terribly already, including her children and their families: Mike & Diane, Deborah and Jan; adored grandchildren: Leslie, Natalie, Dorian, Lindsey & Jared, Bobby, Mandi & Travis, Mike & Josh and Ryan & Michelle; cherished great-grandchildren: Brandon, Reese, Mikaylah, Jaida, Cheyenne, Abreeyah, Madi, Kinlie, Kambrie, Karson, Daxon, Will, Gracie, London, Gabby, Doryan, and great-great-grandchildren: Jaise, Cadence, Kendall, Cameron; sister, Bonnie Hinton.

Preceded in death by her husband, Lester Shrum, Jr., son-in-law, Steve Osborne, and 8 brothers and sisters.

We will miss you, but we know you’re still with us, every sunrise, every hummingbird, and every cherished memory.

A Memorial Gathering will take place on Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Skyline Funeral Home (24800 S. Governors Hwy., Monee, IL) with a Memorial Service beginning at 2:00 p.m. Pastor Randy Roberts will officiate. For more information, please call 708-534-8256.