MCLEANSBORO – Jo Ann Gray, 89, of McLeansboro, IL, passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Hamilton Memorial Hospital in McLeansboro. She was born on January 31, 1936, in Peoria, IL, to Henry and Lorine Moore. On February 14, 1952, she married James Wesley “Jim” Gray, who preceded her in death.

Jo Ann was a homemaker and a member of New Life Assembly of God Church in McLeansboro. She loved gospel concerts and enjoyed farming and cooking.

Jo Ann is survived by two daughters, Beverly (David) Nelson and Linda (Merrill) Upchurch; three brothers: Henry (Linda) Moore, Ed (Felicia) Jamerson, and Donnie (Sherri) Jamerson; one sister, Mary (Shorty) Craig; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim Gray; her daughter, Phyllis (Jr.) Hutcheson; and several brothers and sisters.

A graveside funeral service for Jo Ann Gray will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025, at Smith Cemetery near Dale, IL. Those attending are asked to meet directly at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to New Life Assembly of God Church and will be accepted at Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro.

Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gholsonfuneralhome.com.