Joe Ann Licata

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Joe Ann Licata, 78, of Du Quoin, passed away at 9:45 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2010 at the Fairview Nursing Center in Du Quoin.

Joe Ann had worked as an Optometrist Assistant. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Du Quoin.

Joe Ann was born Jan. 28, 1932 at Du Quoin, Ill., the daughter of Herman Ray and Anna Mae (Moye) Smiley.

She married Anthony "Babe" Licata on May 16, 1953 at Du Quoin, Ill. and he preceded her in death on Sept. 2, 1985.

She is survived by one daughter - Jo Karen Licata and partner Dana Pilon of Arlington, Tex., one son - Richard A. Licata and wife Lou Ann of Cocoa Beach, Fla., two nieces - Nancy Genisio and Kristy White and husband Clancy, all of Du Quoin, one great niece - Heather White, one great nephew - Stephen White, and one great great nephew - Collin White.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and one sister - Margaret Green.

Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Du Quoin with Fr. Nick Junker officiating.

Friends called from 8 a.m. until 9:45 a.m., Thursday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.

Burial was in the Sacred Heart Cemetery at Du Quoin.

Friends may make memorials to the American Lung Association or Masses and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.