JoAnn Willavize

Jo Ann Willavize, 73, of Battle Creek, died on Friday, December 4, 2009 at Battle Creek Health System.Mrs. Willavize was born on July 22, 1936, in Marshall to Richard and Marian (Corkins) Reed. On November 14, 1966, she married Richard Lee Willavize in Battle Creek. He preceded her in death on November 17, 2001.Mrs. Willavize was a member of the Rhema Word Outreach in Battle Creek. She was a devoted Christian and enjoyed sharing the Lord's word with friends, and helping out the homeless. Mrs. Willavize enjoyed writing poems, and spending time with her family.She is survived by her three sons, Rodney (Jerilynn) DeMott, Jim DeMott, Richie (Karen) DeMott, a daughter Veronica DeMott all of Battle Creek. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a brother Richard Reed. She was preceded in death by her husband, two sons, Robert DeMott May 14, 2001, Douglas DeMott August 5, 2001, sisters Eleanor Weeder, Barbara Brown, and a brother Donnie Reed.Visitation will take place at the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home on Tuesday from 9am-11am with family present at that time. Funeral services celebrating her life will take place at 11am on Tuesday at the funeral home with Pastor Cheryl Jones officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home.