Jo Ann (Lytle) Stephens

Jo Ann (Lytle) Stephens of Augusta, MI



Jo Ann 74, passed away peacefully Wednesday January 27, 2016 at her son's residence in Galesburg MI following a lengthy illness.

Jo Ann, the daughter of Norman D. and Betty H. (Avery) Lytle, was born August 16, 1941 in Detroit MI and was a 1959 graduate of Galesburg-Augusta High School. She was employed by Gibson Guitar in Kalamazoo, then became a Licensed Practical Nurse. Her love of nursing led her to Lakeview General Hospital in Battle Creek and Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. Jo Ann retired in 2007 after 24 years of faithful service as a Licensed Practical Nurse at the VA Medical Center of Battle Creek. JoAnn had been an active member of the Augusta V.F.W Post #7956, Ladies Auxiliary until her illness. She had a caring heart and was quick to offer help whenever someone was in need. She enjoyed traveling, quilting and was a voracious reader; recently with the aid of modern technology, A Nook!

Jo Ann was united in marriage to James C. Stephens in Augusta on September 12, 1959. He sadly preceded her in death on June 17, 1989. Surviving are two sons, James K. " Slim" (Stacey Loser) of Augusta and Joey S. (Michelle) Stephens of Galesburg; daughter in law, Chris Abbs of Galesburg; five precious grandchildren, Justin (Anna) Stephens, Nicole (Jon) Born, Tyler (Markee) Stephens, James Stephens and Landon Stephens; three great grandchildren, Alianna and Kinley Born and Blake Stephens; two sisters, Mary (Leroy) Wright of Hardinsburg, IN, Melanie Manz (Jim) of Augusta, and a brother, Norman (Shirley) Lytle of Battle Creek. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and countless dear friends that she thought of and loved as family. Jo Ann was also preceded in death by her son, Timothy A. Stephens on February 18, 1996, her parents, a loving step-father, Richard K. Fortner, and two brothers, Richard Fortner Jr. and Richard K. "Little Kenny" Fortner.

The Funeral Service to celebrate Jo Ann's life will be held on Tuesday, February 2nd at 10:30 a.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Augusta Chapel, 307 N. Webster Street. Interment will follow in Augusta Village Cemetery. Family and friends will continue Jo Ann's life celebration with a time of fellowship and a luncheon at the Augusta V.F.W Post # 7956, 13540 West M-96, Augusta, MI 49012, immediately following the committal. Jo Ann's family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jo Ann's honor may be directed to the Augusta V.F.W Post # 7956 – Ladies Auxiliary.