JoAnn (Williams) Keele

JoAnn (Williams) Keele, 85, was a lifelong resident of Nokomis, a true hometown girl. Born to the late Johnny and Marcella (Buel) Williams, she grew up in a loving home on South Maple Street in a neighborhood full of children. She fondly remembered her childhood, often comparing her group of friends to “Our Gang.” In 1955, while singing in the Methodist Church choir, she caught the eye of Jim Keele, who flirted with a wink that marked the beginning of their courtship. They were married three years later, on June 1, 1958, and began raising their family in a home filled with love and laughter.

At the age of 28, and with three young children, JoAnn pursued her dream to become an elementary school teacher.  After years of night classes, long commutes, and correspondence courses, she graduated as class valedictorian from Blackburn College in 1975. She taught first grade at Nokomis North Elementary School for 24 years, earning her Master’s Degree along the way. JoAnn often said that teaching was one of the most rewarding experiences of her life, and she treasured the moments when she reconnected with former students in the community. Even after retiring in 1999, she continued to serve as a highly sought-after substitute teacher for many years.

JoAnn was a dedicated member of the United Methodist Church throughout her life, and she was also active in numerous community organizations, including the Nokomis Library Board, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Live Wives, the Nokomis Rotary Club, and the Chamber of Commerce. Alongside her friend Ken Wiseman, she co-founded the Nokomis Historical Society and helped establish the Historical Museum. She led the Nokomis Sesquicentennial Committee in 2006 and compiled a book documenting the town’s history. One of her proudest accomplishments was becoming a Master Gardener through the University of Illinois Extension Service. In the summer of 2024, JoAnn’s stunning flower garden was featured in the Garden Walk benefiting the Nokomis Library. Her family lovingly teased her about her inability to say “no,” as she continuously volunteered her time and efforts. “Acts of Service” was JoAnn’s love language, and she never stopped giving.

When asked to identify her greatest joy, JoAnn would have pointed to her family. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she found true happiness in family gatherings and vacations, girls’ trips with her daughters, sharing her love of antiques, attending her grandchildren’s many events, and preparing comfort food—no one made a better pie or Thanksgiving turkey.

JoAnn was also known for her love of animals. There are numerous stories of her rescuing stray dogs and cats or returning lost wildlife to the woods.  Throughout their nearly 67 years of marriage, she and Jim always had a dog by their side.

In addition to her husband Jim, JoAnn is survived by her son Scott (Gina) Keele of Perkiomenville, PA; daughters Susan (Reggie) Finley of Carmel, IN, and Amy (Eric) Ratcliff of Carlinville, IL; brother Lt. Col. (Ret.) John Keith (Jan) Williams of Fairfax Station, VA; sister Karen Henry of Walnut Grove, MO; eight grandchildren: Michael, Brian, and Lisa Keele; Jade and Tanner Finley; and Elise, Maggie, and Eli Ratcliff; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In celebration of JoAnn’s life, visitation will be held from 4-8pm on Tuesday, February 25, with funeral service at 11am on Wednesday, February 26. Both services will be conducted at the United Methodist Church of Nokomis, and burial will follow at Nokomis Cemetery. Memorials in JoAnn’s honor may be sent to Benld Adopt-A-Pet (PO Box 53, Benld, IL 62009), the Nokomis Public Library (100 N Spruce St, Nokomis, IL 62075), or the United Methodist Church of Nokomis (220 S Cedar St, Nokomis, IL 62075). In addition, her family asks that you honor JoAnn’s memory every day by living your life in service to God and others, loving your family and your hometown, planting flowers, and being kind to animals.

Stiehl-Dawson Funeral Home in Nokomis is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at stiehldawsonfh.com.

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