Joann "Jo" Islam

Jo A. Islam, 83 of Ceresco, Mi passed away at home on Tuesday, March 23, 2021. She was born September 13, 1937 in Battle Creek, Mi. She was the daughter of Elmer and Yvette ("Betty" Fox) McGriff.

Jo was a graduate of Battle Creek Central's Class of 1955. She married Thomas R. Islam of Battle Creek, Mi. on July 14, 1967 at the Ceresco Baptist Church. Tom proceeded Jo in death in 2005. She worked for a Battle Creek insurance agency and then worked for her parents, Betty and Bob Schuder, at B&B Answering Service until it was sold then later retired from Walmart in 1998. Jo loved to read (until diabetes took her sight), travel and watch her favorite team, Detroit Tigers, play baseball. Jo loved being a grandma.

Jo is survived by her daughters, Suzann Islam, Renee Austin and Paula Smith; sons Thomas Islam Jr. and Scott Islam; 12 grandchildren, many great grandchildren and several great great grandchildren. Jo is also survived by her sisters Jackie (Daniel) Lipscomb and Jeri (Starr) Dayton; one niece and two nephews, plus several great nieces and nephews. Jo was preceded in death by her parents, step parents and one grandchild; as well as her husband of 38 years, Tom Islam.

There will be a graveside service at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 2, 2021 at the Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens, located at 1490 East Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49014. Flowers may be sent to Floral Lawn Cemetery or donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.