Josephine Ann McPherson

Josephine Ann McPherson, age 88, of Quincy, passed away on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at the Arbors at Adams Pointe Senior Living in Quincy. Josephine was born on November 7, 1934 in Quincy, the daughter of Ernest C. and Rose C. (McCue) Amberg. She married Jerry W. McPherson on September 7, 1956 at St. Mary’s Church in Quincy, Josephine and Jerry met on a blind date at the Barn in Quincy.

Josephine was a 1952 graduate of Quincy Senior High School and a 1955 graduate of St. Mary’s School of Nursing. She was employed at Blessing Hospital for eighteen years until her retirement in 1999.

On June 30, 1965, a tragedy occurred when her husband Jerry, along with his father Oscar, were killed in a small plane crash in Calhoun County, Illinois. That event would change Josephine’s life forever. She was left with four young children and fought for them and provided for them from that day forward.

As a young girl, Josephine had a paper route as soon as she was old enough and then, at sixteen, went to work at the Belasco Theater in Quincy. She had many friends and enjoyed roller skating and bike riding all over Quincy. Josephine was of the Catholic Faith and, always attended church faithfully. She also enjoyed watching her favorite shows, working in her yard and most of all, spending time with her family.

Josephine is survived by her children: Julie McPherson, John (Tina) McPherson, Jeff (Kathy) McPherson all of Quincy and her youngest (the favorite) Joseph McPherson of Morris, IL; grandchildren: Jerry McPherson, Jason Bryan, James Bryan, Lavenda Bryant, Jessica Bryant, Anthony McPherson, Maria (Derek) Hoskins, Bryce Gray, Morgan (Thad) Walters, Matthew (Bea) McPherson, Madison McPherson, Michael (Ashley) McPherson, Nicholas McPherson and Pfc. Patrick McPherson. Numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to her husband and parents, Josephine was also preceded in death by brothers, John W. Amberg, Sr. and Ernest C. Amberg, Jr.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 1, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be on Monday evening from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Blessing Foundation or St. Dominic School. Condolences may be shared online at www.dukerandhaugh.com.

16 Comments

  1. Angie Sass on April 26, 2023 at 12:10 pm

    My deepest condolences to the entire family,in time of morning of your Monarch.

    • Kelly Hunziker Rife on May 2, 2023 at 8:26 pm

      I worked with Jo for several years on 5400. She was a capable and kind person. I have fond memories of her. My condolences to the famiky.

  2. Marce M. Corbett on April 26, 2023 at 1:48 pm

    I am so sorry to hear of JoAnn’s death, Julie. Please let your siblings know how sorry I am. Jerry, JoAnn, Ed and I had great times together. My cousin Jerry, being a good friend of Ed’s, is the reason Ed and I met. When that plane went down it was a blow for all of us. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Love to all.

    • Julie McPherson on May 3, 2023 at 11:23 am

      Thank you so much, I cant tell you how good it was to see you Ken and Kathy. I remember those days, so much fun
      Seemed like family get togethers every weekend. I’ll always miss those great days!

  3. Mary Felker on April 26, 2023 at 2:41 pm

    So sorry for your loss Julie , hugs to you & your kids. Praying for all of your family.

  4. Sheila Williamson on April 26, 2023 at 4:35 pm

    So sorry for your loss I worked with Jo at Blessing she was a wonderful person and nurse !!

  5. Cheri Emery on April 26, 2023 at 6:12 pm

    Jo was a wonderful nurse! I remember her from my days at Blessing. Sincere sympathy to her family.

  6. teresa pickle on April 26, 2023 at 6:45 pm

    Julie, John, Tina and family, i am so sorry for your loss. I remember working with your mom at Blessing hospital. May God provide you the strength required in the days and weeks ahead and may your many wonderful memories provide you with comfort.

  7. Jane Bozarth Peterson on April 26, 2023 at 8:32 pm

    I always enjoyed giving report to Jo when transferring patients from the ER to Med-Surg. Her kind and caring attitude consistently demonstrated compassion for the patient and the staff she worked with. I admired her professionalism and care in her role as a nurse.

    • Sandy Schulte on April 28, 2023 at 11:40 am

      Jeff and Kathy, so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was always so professional and clearly a very strong person. Prayers to all.

    • Friends of St.Mary Hospital on May 3, 2023 at 2:42 pm

      May we extend our sincere sympathy to Jo ‘s
      Family . As she walked the halls of St. Mary Hospital as a student nurse she left her footprint on the legacy of the hospital .
      Remembering her in thoughts & prayers
      Friends from St.Mary Hospital

  8. Julie Kindhart on April 29, 2023 at 5:17 pm

    I’m sad to see this, my condolences. I used to see Jo around Curtis creek, she knew my mother from the hospital. I’m sorry for your loss, she was a kind, sweet woman.

  9. Debbie Harshman on April 29, 2023 at 9:27 pm

    Kathy and Jeff I’m so sorry.

  10. Steve Hull on April 30, 2023 at 12:50 pm

    Joe, Jeff and families,
    Please accept my condolences on the passing of your mother. I am sure she was a great lady. Just comfort yourselves with the knowledge that she is now an Angel in Heaven with God. My prayers are with you.
    Steve Hull

  11. Mike and Barb Hutmacher on April 30, 2023 at 10:33 pm

    John, Jeff and Tina we are sorry to hear of your loss. May she Rest In Peace.
    Mike and Barb Hutmacher

  12. Lois Oberg on May 1, 2023 at 12:19 pm

    Jeff and family – so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Prayers for you and your family.

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