Jo Ann Besant

Jo Ann Besant, (83), recently of Alpharetta, Georgia – but like her beloved Verle, forever of Centralia, IL – passed away peacefully and surrounded by her family on October 1, 2023. She was born April 23, 1940 to W.H. “Red” Redeker and Viola (née Brink) Redeker. Jo married Verle Besant on June 25, 1980. He preceded her in death a mere six days ago, and we believe her earthly broken heart to have returned her to him. Jo is survived by her children Teri Miller of Johns Creek, GA and Gary Schuchman of Wilmington, NC; Craig Besant and wife Christi of Mt. Vernon, IL; Karen “Libby” Breeze and husband Steve of Niceville, FL; and her grandchildren Claire Besant, Henry Besant, Emma Breeze, and Cooper Breeze. Jo was a graduate of Trinity Lutheran Grade School, Centralia High School, and Kaskaskia College. She was first employed at University of Missouri-Rolla, and later at Redeker Insurance Agency as a bookkeeper for 30 years. Like her Verle, Jo valued local community, as evidenced by her membership in the Trinity Lutheran and Cross of Life Lutheran Churches (where her smile rendered her a particularly well suited volunteer as Church Greeter), participation on the Altar Guild, involvement with the church newspaper, and volunteerism with St. Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary, American Red Cross, United Methodist Children’s Home, and the Healthcare Foundation Committee. Jo’s fastidious bookkeeping applied not only to her professional life, but also to her personal. She kept meticulous details consuming a vast number of three-ring binders regarding Verle’s health and care, as she was his advocate in all things. Although we see grace in their spiritual reunion, we will each be terribly sorry to experience the first birthday without a lovely card and handwritten note from Jo. First of all, thanks to all of you who have reached out to our family, after our dad, Verle Besant, and mom, Jo Besant passed away. It means a lot to all of us! We are planning a “Celebration of Life” for them on Saturday, November 4th from 2pm-5pm at the Cultural Society in Centralia with a short program scheduled at 3pm. Thanks again for all of your heartfelt messages. We hope you can join us on the 4th to say goodbye to “the folks”. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Centralia Foundation and will be accepted at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois 62801 (618) 532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Besant family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Funeral Home’s Facebook page.

Jo Ann Besant

April 23, 1940 - October 1, 2023