JoAnn King, 89, of Granite City, Illinois passed away and ended her courageous five-year battle with Alzheimer’s at 2:05 a.m. on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at Cedarhurst of Granite City Memory Care. She was born March 25, 1935, in Granite City, the daughter of the late Alan and Alice (Smith) Whitaker. She married William Charles “Chuck” King on February 4, 1995, at St. John United Church of Christ in Granite City and he passed away on November 17, 2023. JoAnn had worked for the Railroad for several years and later retired in 1996, from the Department of Agriculture after 15 years of dedicated service as a secretary. She had also owned and operated Thee Hobby Horse Shoppe in Granite City from 1976 until 1979. She was a talented artist and loved her days of painting, working with crafts and artwork. She was a faithful and devoted member of St. John United Church of Christ where she was active with the Evening Guild, Quilter’s group and leaves much of her artistic talent on the walls throughout the church. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society and will be remembered for being a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She is survived by a daughter, Denise (Dave) Lofink of Granite City; two sons, Michael (Gena) Kalert of Bethalto and David (Scott Eberhart) Kalert of Glen Carbon; eight grandchildren, Maerhanda Rolens, Steven Kalert, Melissa Sullivan, Jacob Kalert, Briana King, Rachel King, Evelyn King and Cyd King; six great grandchildren, Destiny, Aubrey, Paige, Joseph, Charlie and Blake; one great-great granddaughter, Addilyn; a sister, Betty Stearns of Granite City; other extended family and friends. In addition to her beloved husband and parents, she was preceded in death by an infant brother, Alan C. Whitaker Jr.; two sisters, Phyllis Smith and Vincinetta Taylor and her cherished cat, Almond Joy.
In celebration of her life, visitation will be at St. John United Church of Christ, 2901 Nameoki Road in Granite City on Saturday, June 15, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. until time of funeral service at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Karla Frost officiating. Burial will follow at St. John Cemetery on Maryville Road in Granite City. Memorials may be made to St. John United Church of Christ. Irwin Chapel of Granite City in charge of arrangements. www.irwinchapel.com
