Jo Tomei

Jo Ann Tomei, 98, of Christopher, peacefully returned to our Lord and her Savior on September 2, 2025, in Belleville, with her family by her side.

Jo Ann was born to the late Guy and Sarah Buckner, in Cape Girardeau, MO, and later relocated to Marion, Illinois where she thrived with her siblings, Gladys (Hunsick), Edward, Robert, Rollena (Frattini), and Agnes (Wheeler). She grew up in the post-depression era, making the most of what they had, creating her own fun with her friends. She attended Aldersgate Methodist Church as a child and enjoyed playing the piano, singing in the choir, and entertaining others in a church vocal trio. She graduated from Herrin High School, and relocated to St. Louis to work for Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad as a secretary. After returning to Marion to work for Central Illinois Public Service Company, she met the love of her life, Herman Tomei, whom she married in 1949, settling in Christopher raising four rambunctious boys while Herman managed the family business, Crown Rebuilders.

Jo Ann was a loving and kind wife and mother, always smiling, and really enjoyed a good laugh now and then. She especially enjoyed raising her four boys, keeping them on the straight and narrow, and teaching them good midwestern values. Always quick to console, she could provide heartfelt advice and encouragement when most needed. Jo Ann was most happy at large family gatherings, surrounded with relatives, sons, their wives, and her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved telling stories about family, growing up in Marion, and would astound all with the detail of her recollections.

She is preceded in death by her husband, siblings, and grandson Jeremy.

Jo Ann is survived by her sons, Gary (wife Melanie) of Freeburg, Dennis (wife Diana) of Christopher, Bruce (wife Kari) of Long Beach, CA, and Richard (wife Kimberly) of Woodridge, 12 grandchildren, and many great grandchildren.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

She will be interred at a private family ceremony at a later date at St. Andrews Cemetery, Christopher, IL.

Obit Provided By:
Renner Funeral Home