JoDean Avery, 91, of Mt. Vernon, passed away peacefully at 2:20 p.m., Sunday, April 13, 2025, at Nature Trail Health and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born on October 20, 1933, in Benton, Illinois, to the late Roy and Mary (Runnels) Lefler. JoDean married Joel Wayne Avery on October 6, 1952. The couple shared more than 55 years of marriage before his passing in 2008.

A woman of deep faith and generous spirit, JoDean was known throughout Southern Illinois for her beautiful singing voice, which she shared in churches across the region. Her strong Christian values were the cornerstone of her life, and her favorite Bible verse, Philippians 4:13 (KJV), was one she lived by: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

In addition to her musical gifts, JoDean loved traveling across the United States, forming friendships wherever she went. She devoted many summers to Camp WeWoSeJe, where she served as a cook and server. She also worked for many years in the cafeteria for District 80 schools in Mt. Vernon, bringing joy and kindness to staff and students alike.

JoDean is survived by her daughter, Kathy (Gary) Atchison of Mt. Vernon; sons, Richard (Judy) Avery of Newport News, Virginia, and Michael (Misty) Avery of Asheville, North Carolina; and grandchildren, Evan Avery, Elizabeth (Jon) Strautz, Kristen (Josh) Gaither, Jennifer (Dan) Luber, Travis (Stephanie) Burkart, Brian (Cara) Atchison, and Baxter Elliot.

She also leaves behind great-grandchildren: Avery and Lucy Strautz, Rosalie, Simeon, and Sage Gaither, Zachery and Tyler Burkart, Alexandra and William Luber, Annabelle Atchison, and Barrett, Miles, and Spencer Atchison.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by five sisters; one brother; daughter, Susan Lynn Burkart; a granddaughter; and son-in-law, JB Burkart.

A celebration of JoDean’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, April 21, 2025, at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, in Mt. Vernon. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday, April 21, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until the hour of service, at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, and will be accepted at the service, or by mail to the Osborn Funeral Home, P.O. Box 130, Dix, Illinois 62830. Online condolences may be made at www.osbornfuneral.com, or on the Osborn Funeral Home Facebook page.