Zella JoAnn McRoy Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Zella JoAnn (McAnelly) McRoy age 90, of Marion, IL, passed from this earth at 4:45 a.m. on Friday, April 22, 2022, in the Integrity Healthcare Center of Marion. She is now reunited with her beloved husband and high school sweetheart Robert Jackson “Jack” McRoy. JoAnn was born on March 8, 1932, to Harry and Zella C. (Rush) McAnelly, of Marion, and lived the vast majority of her life south of Marion, on a corner of the McAnelly Farm with Robert, the land being a gift from her parents. She went to school in a country school located near her home and was a graduate of Marion High School Class of 1950. She was united in marriage to Robert Jackson “Jack” McRoy on October 23, 1950, in Pocahontas, AR, and together they shared over 66 years of marriage until his death on March 1, 2017. JoAnn’s family was her life, and as such, she was an avid genealogist and lover of history. She worked many years as a member of the Williamson County Historical Society and Museum and is listed as the longest active member. JoAnn loved traveling the county and recording cemeteries with her friend Helen Lind, even if there were cows nearby. Her years long and unrelenting family research gained her a place among the Daughters of the American Revolution, her membership being proudly displayed on the glass of her back door. JoAnn’s patriotism was especially evident around Christmas time with her red, white, and blue, star-spangled Christmas tree. Gabby, as her father called her, was a cornerstone member of Freedom Freewill Baptist Church south of Marion, where the McAnelly family have been members for over 100 years. JoAnn and Robert were on site any time the doors were open, and were probably the ones who unlocked them. JoAnn was a renowned seamstress and curtain maker. She outfitted her kids, grandkids, nieces, and nephews in custom dresses, shirts, superman capes, and whatever else could be imagined. Her elegant drapery hung from the walls of the original Marion Civic Center for many years before being lost in the fire. Every garment was a labor of love to those around her. Zella JoAnn was preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Jack”; her parents Harry and Zella C. McAnelly; infant brother, Harry Wayne McAnelly; brother, John McAnelly, brother Anderson “Pete” McAnelly and wife, Elaine, her sister Betty and husband, Bob Jones of Vienna, IL, and granddaughter, Mira Lamb of West Virginia. She is survived by two sons, Robert “Bob” McRoy and wife, Terri of Carterville, IL, and William J. “Bill” McRoy and wife, Judy of Marion, sister Pat King and husband, Ed of Herrin, IL, and sister Kay Henderson and husband, Leon of Springfield, IL, and sister-in-law, Mary McAnelly of Marion. Also surviving are grandkids; Jessica O’Brien and TJ of TN, Andrew McRoy and Lisa of Marion, Jodi Cerretti and Dean of Chicago, IL, Ashely Kelton and Jason of FL, Justin McRoy and Stephanie of Marion, Mikelle McRoy of Chicago, IL, Megan Lamb and Andrew of West Virginia, Mariah Martinez and Daniel of Chicago, IL, and Nathan McRoy and Jess of Texas. She also leaves behind 16 great grandkids and many, many beloved nieces and nephews of the McAnelly and McRoy family. Among the many family members that met her at the pearly gates, odds are the following were first among them; Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who welcomed her in with open arms, her husband Robert, and her great-great-great grandfather Littleberry, who said, “I hear you been lookin for me.” Arrangements are entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL. Zella JoAnn McRoy will be laid to rest among the proceeding generations of her family, during a graveside service at Freedom Cemetery, located south of Marion on IL Routh 37, roughly a mile from where the McAnelly’s settled the land so many years ago. The graveside committal service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at Freedom Cemetery with Rev. David Milburn presiding and grandson, Andrew McRoy presenting the eulogy. Those wishing to attend the graveside committal service should gather at the cemetery prior to 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow next to her husband, Robert. The family has requested for those who prefer, memorial contributions be made to “Freedom Cemetery.” Memorial contributions may be mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, Marion, IL, 62959. Memorial contribution envelopes will be available at the cemetery and funeral home. For additional information call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.

Zella JoAnn McRoy

March 8, 1932 - April 22, 2022