Obituary of Joyce E. Wahl
Joyce Elaine Wahl (nee Jefferson), age 83, a longtime resident of Channahon and Joliet, IL, passed away peacefully Thursday evening August 5, 2021, at Park Pointe Health and Rehab Center in Morris, IL.
She was born March 19, 1938, to the late Marion (nee Westerberg) and T. Chester Jefferson in Kankakee, IL where she was raised and educated, a graduate of Kankakee High School.
She is the beloved mother of Joann (George) McCoy and Suzann (Darrell) Reid; devoted grandmother of George C. (Allie) McCoy, Jacob, Taryn, and Mitchell McCoy; Kaitlin (Jacob) Schroeder and Turner Reid; proud great-grandmother of Elijah and Mallory. Also surviving are her brother, Tom (Jackie) Jefferson, and sister-in-law, Verla Jefferson.
Her loving husband, Roy, passed earlier this year and, with Joyce’s passing, they spent their 61st wedding anniversary together. She is also preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Wayne Jefferson.
When her girls were young, Joyce enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom perfecting her sewing, crocheting, and cooking skills. But, Joyce was always up for an adventure to a store, the beach or pool, or anywhere else and those trips were made even better when family and/or friends came with.
She held a number of jobs over the years, including work in the personnel department at Sears, in Illinois as well as Texas. While Roy and Joyce enjoyed their time in Texas, they were happy to return to Illinois when they had grandchildren. Being able to be part of their grandchildren’s lives was definitely a highlight for both of them.
Joyce made friends easily and enjoyed getting together with her brothers (and their families) as well as friends from her youth, her church, and her neighborhood. She never met a stranger - she spoke to anyone and everyone who was near. She was full of energy and always on the move. During retirement, she enjoyed going to exercise class and volunteering at their church and at Hospice.
As it was Joyce's wish cremation rites will be accorded. The family will meet for committal prayers and Interment at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL at a later date. To honor Joyce, the family suggests you call a family member or friend for conversation and laughter…maybe with a Diet Coke.
The family extends their thanks to all CNAs and other caregivers for everything they do. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name can be made to Lightways Hospice of Joliet or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
For more information please call (815) 942-5040 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
