Will County Gazette

Jodi Renee Essery, 52, of Joliet, passed away unexpectedly at her home on January 3, 2025. Survived by her sister Tammy (Gary) Surratt, sisters-in-law Jennette (Anthony) Essery and Heidi Essery, mother-in-law Ilse Essery, father-in-law Anthony Essery, Sr., and nephew Nolan Essery. Preceded in death by her husband Roman E. Essery, parents Jr and Loretta Vaniter, and brother Steve Vaniter.

Jodi, a graduate of Jacksonville High School, worked as a bus monitor at First Student, Inc. school bus company. Known for her creativity, she enjoyed various forms of crafting, with a particular love for scrapbooking, house décor, and ornament-making. A devoted fan of Disney, she cherished the character Figment, known as "the mascot of imagination". Jodi and her husband shared a special connection over the movie “Up”, and she often created shirts featuring her favorite characters. Her warm spirit and love for creativity will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

In accordance with Jodi’s wishes, cremation rites have been respectfully attended to. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442.

Click here to read the original obituary.