Jo Ann Ledbetter was born August 14, 1942, in Gilman, IL. Her mother and father were William Crawford and Eleanor Crawford (Strawn). She was the 9th of 11 siblings. There were 5 boys and 6 girls. When she was young her family lived in several towns in the western Iroquois County, IL area. Since her father was a carpenter and sometimes worked as a farm hand, they moved to where he had work. Most of her school years were spent in Gilman, IL.

In 1971 Jo Ann married Donald Ledbetter in Indiana. They had one son, Kevin Ledbetter, in 1973. She moved to Watseka, IL, in 1976 to raise her son on her own. Jo Ann worked at various coil or electronics factories in Watseka over the years. She was employed at Little Fuse, Inc. for about 16 years. During that time, she received two awards for her ideas on improving workflow and the manufacturing process. For a few years she also had a sewing business making clothes for Cabbage Patch dolls as well as throw pillows and cases. She also crocheted various blankets and hats. She supplied a couple of local craft stores during that time. She had a life-long hobby of sewing and crafts that she learned from her mother.

In 2002 she moved to Springfield, MO. She worked for a few years at the School for the Blind until it closed. She was employed about a year at Bass Pro Warehouse in order fulfillment. Her last few working years were spent at The Salvation Army. She retired in 2008 at the age of 65.

During the majority of her time living in Springfield, she was a member of the First Baptist Church of Springfield. She enjoyed attending Bible study and services whenever she could. Her faith was very important to her, and she loved spending time with her church family. She also enjoyed learning about her family history and genealogy, which she discussed and studied often with her son Kevin. She was known by most to be a warm-hearted person who loved to laugh and joke with friends.

Jo Ann Ledbetter passed away on January 25, 2022, at the age of 79. She had been in the hospital for a week recovering from COVID/Coronavirus. She was preceded in death by both parents, four brothers and four sisters. She is survived by one son Kevin J. Ledbetter of Clifton, IL; one sister Barbara Wayt of Springfield, MO; and one brother John Crawford of Indiana, as well as many nieces and nephews. She will be missed by many friends and family.