Josephine Ann Gideon (JoAnn)

Josephine Ann Gideon (JoAnn), nee Merrills, 79, of Belleville, IL, born Tuesday, July 11, 1944, in St. Louis, MO, passed away Tuesday, February 20, 2024 in Belleville, IL.

Josephine was an active 50 Year member of DAR. (Daughters of the American Revolution) and 10 year member of the Sierra Club. She devoted herself to DAR serving as past chapter regent and holding many offices. She was also active with C.A.R (Children of the American Revolution) for many years. Josephine was a talented drummer since her days at Signal Hill School and marched playing the drum in many local parades throughout her life. She enjoyed reading, researching family genealogy, and travel. She was able to visit numerous countries in her world travels including France, Turkey, Ireland, Romania and Vietnam to name a few.

She was preceded in death by her:

• Parents, Wayne and Martha C., nee Treadwell, Merrills
• Brothers-in-law:
  • Edward P. Lopinot
  • Thomas A. Thebus

Surviving are her:

• Loving husband of 54 years, John C. Gideon of Belleville, IL
• Daughter, Ellen (Frank) Nefzger of Jackson, MI
• Sisters:
  • Fran L. Lopinot of Belleville, IL
  • Martha Elaine Thebus of Belleville, IL

Memorials: Memorials may be made to the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) – Belleville Chapter or C.A.R. (Children of the American Revolution) Six Mile Prairie Chapter.

Funeral: A Celebration of Josephine’s Life will be planned at a later date.