Billie Jo “Jo” Allison, 87, of St. Augustine, Florida, and formerly of the Kinmundy-Alma area, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 8, 2026, surrounded by the family she loved so fiercely.
Jo was born on October 20, 1938, to Clarence and Emily Tolliver Heskett.
She was one of five children in a close-knit family that helped shape her strong will, sharp wit, and lifelong knack for sharing exactly what was on her mind with an honesty that remained one of her greatest gifts.
A proud graduate of Kinmundy High School, Jo set out on an adventure at the age of 18 when she and her best friend, Janet Arnold, moved to Washington, D.C. to work for the federal government. She often spoke with pride about her years in the nation’s capital, where she earned a high-level security clearance and worked at the Pentagon alongside senior military officers. For a young woman from southern Illinois, it was a remarkable achievement, and one she carried with quiet pride throughout her life.
Eventually, Jo returned home to raise her three children: Dawn Williams, Denise Allison, and Buddy Allison. She worked tirelessly—often holding more than one job at a time—to provide for her family. She built a respected career as a legal executive assistant, where her intelligence, impeccable organization, and ability to keep attorneys on track made her indispensable.
Jo was a woman of many pleasures and simple joys. She was an avid reader who could move effortlessly from mystery novels to historical fiction to anything else that caught her interest. She treasured her alone time and was perfectly content with a good book, a comfortable chair, and a glass of wine. She made a mean meatloaf that no recipe has ever fully replicated, despite many determined attempts.
Of all the roles Jo held in life, none brought her more joy than being “Granny.” She adored her five grandchildren and followed their lives with tremendous pride, unwavering interest, and, when necessary, candid commentary. Her grandchildren knew they were deeply loved, and they will forever carry her wisdom, humor, and no-nonsense perspective with them.
In 2021, Jo moved to St. Augustine, Florida, to be closer to her family. Her final years were spent with family and making new connections. Jo will be remembered for her quick mind, her dry sense of humor, and her fiercely independent spirit. She showed her family that strength and love often go hand in hand, that a well-timed one-liner can say more than a long speech, and that wisdom, common sense, and a candid opinion are qualities to be treasured. Her presence was unmistakable, and her family will forever miss the humor, insight, and honesty that made her so uniquely Jo.She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence Murle and Emily Tolliver Heskett and her son, Buddy.
She is survived by her children, Dawn Williams and husband, Brad and Denise Allison and fiancé, Robert Cashwell ; her five beloved grandchildren; and many other, extended family members and friends who will miss her deeply.
The family will hold a private, celebration of life service at a later date.
