Obituary of Jo Ann Williams

Jo Ann Williams peacefully passed May 22, 2025 surround by love and support. Jo Ann was a loving and devoted mother of three, proud grandmother of seven, and cherished great-grandmother of three. Born on August 22, 1949, in Batesville, Arkansas, she was the beloved daughter of the late Robert Peel Sr. and Pauline Peel. 

Jo Ann grew up in Wardell, Missouri, where she graduated from North Pemiscot High School in 1967. Throughout her life, she called several cities home before settling in Minnesota. She dedicated many years to helping others—first as a medical assistant in a clinic, then in a long tenure at Blue Cross Blue Shield, and later at Target, where she worked as a cashier until her retirement.

A true adventurer at heart, Jo Ann found great joy in traveling. She visited over 30 countries during her lifetime, documenting her journeys through photographs that told rich and vivid stories. Her travels, often shared on Facebook, brought joy not just to her, but also to friends and family who followed her adventures from afar. When not traveling, Jo Ann loved watching game shows and relaxing to the timeless music of Sam Cooke. Jo Ann is survived by her children: Diane (Michael Sr.) Samuel, Deanna (Phillip) Williams, and Warren (Erryn) Williams Jr.; her grandchildren: Matthew Lara Jr., Brianna Hatton, Deon Lara, Michael Samuel II, Lauryn Samuel, Nathaniel Williams, and Christopher Williams; and her greatgrandchildren: Mahlaya Johns, Matthew Lara III and Ivy Lara. She is also survived by her five brothers Robert Peel Jr, Jackie Peel, Bobby Peel, Clifford Peel and James Peel and five sisters Paulette Jones, Henrietta Payne, Trinita Williams, Bessie Roland, and Glenda Smith. As well as a host of beloved relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Pauline Peel; brothers Homer Peel, Jerry Peel, and Charles Peel; and sisters Gladys Jennings and Elizabeth Peel. Jo Ann’s vibrant spirit, loving heart, and adventurous soul will be deeply missed by all who knew her.