Jo-Ann Helen Gilley, 88, of Granite City, Illinois passed away at 3:50 p.m. on Friday, October 13, 2023, at her daughter’s home in Edwardsville. She was born July 27, 1935, in St. Louis, Missouri, a daughter of the late John and Helen (Probst) Gonza. She married Marion Gayle Gilley on June 15, 1959, in East St. Louis, Illinois and he passed away on January 18, 2014. She was a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Granite City and enjoyed her years of attending H.O.P.E. luncheons. She loved playing bingo and visiting the area casinos. She will be remembered for the love and special times shared with her family and friends. She is survived by five children, Colleen (Paul) Berends of Edwardsville, Toney “Too Tall” (Vicky Walton) Gilley of Granite City, John M. Gilley of Granite City, Michael G. Gilley of Jefferson City, Missouri and Kathleen Harris of Granite City; eleven grandchildren; several great grandchildren; a brother, Russell (Betsy) Kellher of Granite City; other extended family and friends. In addition to her beloved husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Gary L. Harris Jr. and a granddaughter, Katrina Gilley. In celebration of her life, a memorial visitation will be held at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City on Sunday, October 22, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. until time of a memorial service at 7:00 p.m. Private burial will be at Frieden’s Cemetery in St. Louis. In lieu of floral tributes, memorials may be made to the Granite City A.P.A. or to support your local animal shelter and may be accepted at the funeral chapel. www.irwinchapel.com
