Jodi Renee Essery, age 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 and her faithful feline companions "Moose" and "Middy".  Preceded in death by her husband Roman E. Essery, her parents Jr and Loretta Vaniter, and her brother Steve Vaniter.

Jodi graduated from Jacksonville High School. She worked as a bus monitor for First Student, Inc. school bus company. She was a very creative spirit and loved all forms of crafting, especially scrapbooking, house décor and ornament-making. She was a huge fan of Disney with Figment as her most beloved character, who is known as "the mascot of imagination". Jodi and her husband had a special bond over the movie "Up", and she also liked to make shirts in honor of her favorite characters. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Per Jodi's wishes, cremation rites have been respectfully addressed. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.