Jo Anne K. “Jo” Lyons, age 90 of Centralia, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia, Illinois.
Jo Anne was born on November 13, 1935 on an 80-acre farm in Alma Township, Illinois, the daughter of Edgar Bryan Kagy and Bernice (Barksdale) Kagy, both of whom preceded her in death. Jo met E. Harold “Hal” Lyons at Boley’s in Salem and on January 20, 1952, they were married in Salem. He preceded her in death on July 22, 2016, after sharing 64 years united in marriage.
Jo is survived by her loving sons, Roger K. Lyons of Harrisburg, Robin R. Lyons of Maryville, and Ron Lyons of Walnut Hill; grandchildren, William S. Lyons, Tara Marie Garner and husband Michael, Jonathan C. Lyons and partner Abby Marie Meador, Robert Dietrich Lyons and husband Leigh, and Rebecca Rhea Lyons; great-grandchildren, Kenedee Marie, Ryder Michael, and Hadley Marie; brother, Howard R. Kagy of Salem; as well as several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her son, E. Harold “Eddie” Lyons Jr., her sister, Marjorie K. Martin Randolph; and brother, Lewis Edward Kagy.
Jo was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Centralia. She touched a lot of lives by sending greeting cards and well wishes to her friends and family near and far. She started working during high school at Sweney’s Drug Store, graduating from Salem High School in 1954, and then went on to attend classes at Western Kentucky University. She spent the majority of her career as a sales clerk at Vasel Jewelry in Centralia. Later in life she enjoyed her time as a consultant for Mary Kay. She enjoyed playing piano and listening to gospel music. She was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and a supporter of the Centralia Orphans. She enjoyed the simple blessings of life and took great pride in the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her legacy of love, strength, and dedication to family will be remembered by all who knew her.
Funeral services for Jo Anne Lyons will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem with Pastor Joannie Naraghi officiating. Burial will follow at East Lawn Cemetery in Salem. Visitation will be held on Monday from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to First Presbyterian Church in Centralia or to the Donors Choice and will be received at the funeral home. Online condolences and memories can be left at www.CrouseFH.com.