JoAnn Violet (Niederer) Creason, 84, Belle, was the epitome of a Godly woman with a servant’s heart. She had the ability to make every occasion special whether it was a linen table cloth and cloth napkins, special holiday dishes, a small gift or a short note to let you know she was thinking of you. She made everyone feel cared for and seen.
On Dec. 12, 2025, after a lengthy battle with dementia, she went to be with our Lord and Savior.
She was born Nov. 4, 1941, to the late Joe and Violet (Twelkemeier) Niederer in St. Louis.
JoAnn attended high school at Assumption High School in O’Fallon and graduated in 1959.
She had plans to attend nursing school and worked as a nurse’s aide at a local hospital for a time right after high school. Her plans would change when she met a young man that had been in an automobile accident and was in her care.
Their fondness for each other grew and on Feb. 27, 1960, JoAnn was united in marriage to Charles Creason. In 1961 they welcomed a daughter, Cheryl “Cherri” Ann. After residing in St. Louis for a few years, Charlie and JoAnn moved to their farm just outside of Belle in 1967.
Throughout the majority of her working life, JoAnn spent her days caring for children in her home, with the total number well over one hundred. She was highly regarded in the babysitting world of Belle, often times having a waiting list for an opening. JoAnn cared deeply for the children she watched, loving on them as if they were her own. There were birthday cards and Christmas gifts for them, many times sending them birthday cards well after they had stopped needing her care. Her meals were from scratch and many learned to eat vegetables during JoAnn’s lunches, because everyone had to try at least a little of everything that was offered.
Outside of her babysitting business, she kept busy within the community as well. JoAnn participated in the March of Dimes Walk-A-Thon for many years. She was also actively involved in several community organizations while Cherri was in school. She served as a member of the Belle Booster Club and was a founding Community leader of Hawkeye 4-H Club.
Additionally, JoAnn was a tireless supporter of Pilot Knob Baptist Church where she was a Sunday school teacher, member of the choir, and served as the director of VBS followed by the lead “refreshment” lady at Vacation Bible School, though she turned that into a full-blown dinner with dessert each night, much to the delight of everyone in attendance.
The highlight of her life was undoubtedly her granddaughters and great-grandchildren. She and Charlie spent many hours at their ballgames and visiting with them until their health no longer allowed.
JoAnn was preceded in death by husband, Charlie; parents, Joe and Violet; daughter, Cheryl ‘Cherri’; brothers, Bob Niederer and wife Betty and Rich Niederer; sister, Carol Vaughn and husband Coy; brothers-in-law, Dave Kemp and Bud Creason and wife Alice; sister-in-law, Barb Uptegrove and husband Sam.
Those left to cherish her memory include granddaughters, Amy Shafer and husband Jordan and Ashley Harrisan and husband Jeremy; great-grandchildren, Joelie, Tucker, Raelie, Jensen and Jaxton; son in-law, Craig Marquart; sisters, Linda Kemp and Neta Wesley and husband Phillip, sister-in-law, Debbie Heck and husband Carl; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Visitation will be held from 9 until 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 27, at Pilot Knob Baptist Church in Belle, with the family being received at 8:30 a.m. The funeral and graveside service will follow with Pastor Jack Kurrelmeyer officiating.
Lunch will be provided after the graveside service in the Fellowship Hall at Pilot Knob Baptist Church.
Memorial contributions suggested to the YaYas or the Maries County R-II Schools lunch account.
Arrangements entrusted to Sassmann’s Chapel in Belle. (859-3712)
www.sassmannschapel.com
