Joanna Delaney, 81, of Forrest, IL passed away at 3:25 pm on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at her home in Forrest, IL with her family by her side.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 am on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at First Baptist Church in Fairbury with Rev. Daryl Evans officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 11:30 am on Wednesday at church. Burial will follow services at Strawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, Compassus Hospice, or Forrest American Legion Auxiliary. Calvert & Martin Funeral Home in Forrest is handling arrangements for the family.
Joanna was born June 27, 1936 in Mattoon, IL a daughter of Henry and Ruth (Groves) Lawhorn. She married Joseph R. Delaney, Sr. on November 15, 1954 in Norfolk, VA. She and Joseph would have celebrated 63 years of happily married life this Wednesday. He survives.
Also surviving are her children: Joseph R. (Donna) Delaney, Jr. of Fairbury, IL, Debra (David) Artman of Bloomington, IL, and Teresa Lynn (Mark) Bertram of Urbana, IL; seven grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; she was the last surviving sibling of nine children, three of which preceded her in death just this year.
She was educated in the Mattoon schools. Joanna served as a classroom aide and secretary at Strawn Elementary and Prairie Central School District for 30 years. She was a member of the Forrest American Legion Auxiliary.
Joanna loved to play bingo and “visit” the boat periodically. She loved to entertain her family and enjoyed the grandchildren and great grandchildren most of all. She was a good listener and friend to many. Her laughter and her desserts were a joy to the family. She leaves a void in our lives that will be very difficult to fill.
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Just heard of Joanna’s passing your family is in my prayers. Linda Pratt Northington
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With much sadness for the Delaney family in the loss of your wife, mother, and grandmother.; As a first year teacher, I met Joanna at Strawn Elementary. Her sunshine and laughter will always be remembered. She was a tremendous support and a friend to me in my years at Strawn!
Thinking of all of you.
Patti Harms
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Joe and Family, We just found out about Joanna’s passing. Wish we could stop in to give our condolences in person but we are unavailable this morning. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. You have our deepest sympathies. Amiel & Jeanne
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Deepest sympathies to the Delaney family. I remember Mrs. Delaney as a really nice lady and the pillar of the family.
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My deepest sympathy to Joanna’s family. I worked with her a Meadowbrook School in Forrest,IL.
She was a great school secretary and it was a pleasure to know and work with her. Prayers for Joe
and his family.
Anita Boomgarden, Chatsworth,IL
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I was saddened to read of Joanna’s passing. I have fond memories of her from working as a school psychologist at Meadowbrook. Thinking of Joe and family.
Cathy Ferme, Normal, IL
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