Jo Ann Elam (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Jo Ann Elam was born August 17, 1935 in Sedalia, Missouri to Joseph and Lillian Hudson McKelvey. She departed this life Saturday, May 24, 2025 in James River Nursing and Rehab in Springfield, Missouri. She was eighty-nine years, nine months and seven days of age.
Jo Ann was raised in the Prosperine area of Laclede County and graduated from Lebanon High School in the Class of 1953.
On November 8, 1952, she was united in marriage to Raymond Hornick and together they lovingly raised three daughters, Ranae, Linda, and Julie. Raymond passed away March 1, 1984. They made their home in the Prosperine area where Jo Ann would reside for thirty-two years. She moved to Lebanon in 1984.
Jo Ann gave her heart to Jesus when she was twelve years old and was baptized in Mountain Creek into the Union Mission Church in 1947.
Jo Ann is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Lillian McKelvey; her husband, Raymond Hornick; and her son-in-law, Steve Tetlow.
She is survived by her daughters, Ranae Tetlow of Mission, Kansas, Linda Means and her husband Bob of St. Joseph, Missouri and Julie Willard and her husband C.E. of Billings, Missouri; four grandchildren, Ryan Akers and his wife Alyssa, Shane Akers and his wife Kari, Wesley Willard and his wife Delaney and Whitney Underwood and her husband Derek; two step-grandchildren, Bradley and Jeffrey Means; four great-grandchildren, Mason Willard, Avery Akers, Truman Akers and Audrey Underwood; six step-great-grandchildren, Abby Means, Lucas Means, Corbin Means, Josephine Means, Connor Gates, and Priscilla Gates; and other relatives and friends.
Jo Ann enjoyed walking, reading, music and sewing. Most of all, she loved her family. She looked forward to being together and celebrating special occasions. She will be very missed by those who knew and loved her.
A memorial has been established to Prosperine Cemetery and donations may be left or mailed to the funeral home.
Services will be private.
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