Jo Ellen Rodely, 64, of Du Quoin, went to be with her Lord and Savior at 8:17 P.M., Saturday, March 14, 2026 at her residence.
Jo was born on August 20, 1961 to Eugene A. and Patricia "Patsy" (Alvis) Rodely of Du Quoin .
She was preceded in death by her parents and one nephew - Lars Rodely of Arkansas.
She left behind a daughter - Dia Rodely and husband Larry "Dean" Hale.  They have Jo's two beautiful grandchildren - Gabriel and Willow Hale and reside in Du Quoin.  Immediate family included four brothers - Eugene P. Rodely (Wanda) and their children Eugene III, Stacey Davis and Crisey Fenton, all of Du Quoin.  Roger Rodely of West Frankfort and his children Chasity Cruz and family of Du Quoin and Josh Rodely (Brittaney) of West Frankfort.  Jack Rodely (Belinda) and sons Samuel Rodely and Kyle and Nathan Ruboio of Dallas, TX.  David Rodely (Sharon) and children Daniel Rodely and family and their daughter, Macey Morgan and family, all of Jonesboro, AR.
Jo attended and graduated from Du Quoin High School.  She received an Associates Degree from John A. Logan College in  Human Services.  Jo attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.  She also took a course in Medical Assisting at IVY Tech in Evansville, IN.  She became certified as a Community Development and Family Advocate Specialist through  the ICAA program.  Jo Ellen has worked in several locations but mainly was a coordinator at Western Egyptian Head Start Program Administrative Office in Steeleville.  She was an advocate for families with young children in Perry, Randolph and Monroe Counties and while there, wore many hats and worked with over 200 families each year.  She wrote their first literacy grant and started GED classes and Lending Libraries.  She also enrolled children and parents into the program. Ms. Rodely was a Social Worker and Admitting Director for Fair Acres Nursing Home in Du Quoin.  In both of these jobs, she met and worked with many families in southern Illinois.  She was an advocate for the residents at this home and educator of staff and residents regarding their rights setting up referrals and many other duties.
Jo was a member of the Spirit of Life Church.  She was the Choir Director and praise song leader there when the church was new.  Jo was very involved in the Life of Christ drive-through that was put on at Sunrise Easter services in the Fairgrounds.  She was also baptized at Spirit of Life  by Dr. Wallace Watson.  Jo Ellen's main hobby was music and singing.  She often sang for friends and family events, funerals, and weddings in the local area.  She listened to all genres of music.
Jo always appreciated a beautiful day and could often could be seen sitting on the front porch, enjoying the weather and watching the nature around her.  She enjoyed having flowers and was a member of a flower group on social media, as well as a member of the Porch Sitters of America.  Jo loved star gazing on a clear night and appreciated clear blue skies on beautiful days.  She loved the ocean and all things nautical.  Jo supported the 4Ocean for-profit organization, global ocean cleanup.
Even as a child and throughout her life, she lived a life with a strong desire to aid those around her.  Her life was filled with service to those in need in a variety of ways including, friendship, compassion, generosity, direction and good cheer.  She always believed being kind to each other defined a better world.
Jo enjoyed being creative and all types of design.  She often would look for alternative ways to approach things instead of the traditional way.  She loved design of all types, having a pretty yard and flowers, home building and decor.  Crafty items made by hand and beautiful fabrics but mostly she was devoted to raising her daughter and more recently teaching her grandchildren as much as she could pass on and loving them as much as possible.
Ms. Rodely will be remembered for her quick wit, and always looking to have fun.  In her healthier years, she enjoyed planning community events and also getting together with groups of friends.  She holds close to her those dear people with a special place in her heart and would like to give gratitude to anyone who has played a special part in her life.
Memorials services will be at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, March 21, 2026 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Brandon Buser officiating.
Friends may call from 9 A.M. until the time of service on Saturday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Friends may make memorials to her grandchildren, in care of Dia Rodely and will be accepted at the funeral home.