Jo Ann Preston, age 88, formerly of Bridgeport, Illinois passed away Saturday, August 30, 2025 at the Villages at Oak Ridge in Washington, Indiana. She was born July 21, 1937 in Lawrence County, Illinois, the daughter of Wilbur Martin and Josephine (Longnecker) Martin. She married James Preston Sr. on June 20, 1958, and he preceded her in death on June 13, 2003.
Jo Ann was a licensed beautician for many years at Gerry’s Beauty Shop in Bridgeport, Illinois. She was a member of Billett Church. She volunteered for Lawrence County Memorial Hospital’s Auxiliary. As a military wife, she learned how to adapt and care for her family in every season of life. She was an avid gardener and loved being outdoors. She was affectionately known as Momma P, due to her very loving and caring personality. She loved singing and her kindness was unmatched.
Preceding Jo Ann in death was her husband, her parents, her son, Fred Preston, and her brother, Charles Martin.
Survivors include: her children, Martin (Pam) Preston of Washington, Indiana, James (Tracey) Preston Jr. of St. Louis, Missouri and Maria (Chad) Andrews of Lawrenceville, Illinois; her brother, Richard (Jody) Martin; five grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Emmons-Macey & Steffey Funeral Home in Lawrenceville, Illinois. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. till the service hour of 2:00 pm. Burial will follow in Bridgeport City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Good Samaritan Hospice.
