Joann Shirley Holton, 82, was born Oct. 17, 1937, in Wells, the only child of Roger Ellsworth Grant and Audrey Lucille (Vint) Grant.

Joann graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1955, attended beauty school in Mankato and then returned to live in Albert Lea. On Dec. 9, 1968, she married the love of her life, William J. Holton. She was a member of United Methodist Church.

Known lovingly as Mama Jo, she always put her family first and took much pride in homemaking. While raising her own family she also played a significant and supportive role in the lives of many young people. She often cared for and actively encouraged her only grandchild, Alyssa Beth, in her academics and figure skating. Jo enjoyed nature, spending time outdoors and sports. True to her character, she rescued and lovingly cared for many small animals and pets throughout her lifetime. She retired from Value Mart Marine in Clarks Grove to care for her parents full time.

She walked on from this life on the evening of Saturday, July 6, 2019.

She is survived by her daughter, Jean Large, and her husband, Don Large II, of Rushville, Illinois; son, Michael Holton, and his wife, Sara, of Rochester; her only grandchild, Alyssa Beth Reed, and only great-grandchild, Aubrey Jean Reed Grover, of Rochester; aunt, Marilyn Tofflemoyer, of Arvada, Colorado; and sister and brother-in-law Joan and Robert Reinhart of Austin, Texas. She also leaves behind her loving friends Marlene and Bob Kirsch of Albert Lea, Rosanne Thompson of Northglenn, Colorado, Peggy and Roger Kraft of Austin and Sally Fadden and family of Albert Lea.

She was preceded in death by her parents Roger and Audrey Grant; husband, William J. Holton; and brother and sister-in-law Richard and Norma Holton.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Mama Jo’s many loving caregivers from Sheltering Arms, who had over the many years also become her family. The family also thanks Mayo Clinic Health System’s Hospice of Albert Lea.

At Joann’s request, there are no services scheduled. Her family will have a private time of celebrating the many treasured memories of their beloved Mama Jo.