Wanda Edith (Farley) Johnson

Wanda Edith Johnson, 92, of East Peoria, IL, but recently of Metamora, IL passed away on Monday, October 4, 2021, at Snyder Village in Metamora.

She was born on June 13, 1929 to Lyle and Grace (White) Farley. She grew up in Peoria and after graduating from Manual High School, she went to work at Caterpillar in the mail room. There, she met her husband, Lloyd E. Johnson, whom she married on August 20, 1955.

Together they raised three children, daughter Cheryl Rosen and sons, Roland “Buddy” (Judy) Cox and John (Jeanette) Johnson. She had eight grandchildren, Jennifer, Racheal, Eric, Adam, Andy, Evan, Troy and Lynelle. She also had eight great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Lloyd, sister Marge Bishop and brother William Farley.

Wanda and Lloyd were married 65 years, spending 60 years living in East Peoria raising their children. After her children were grown, Wanda spent time attending school and sporting events that her grandchildren were involved in. Wanda and Lloyd would spend time on weekends either on the river with family or hosting Saturday cookouts at their home in East Peoria. Everyone was always welcome to join them.

Wanda spent years volunteering for the city she loved, East Peoria. She was instrumental in getting the Festival of Lights started. From year one, she and her family spent many years working to make the festival the big success that it still is today. She was also on the committee to get the walking and bike trails started in East Peoria.

She volunteered many hours with the East Peoria Beautification Committee, East Peoria Youth Council, East Peoria Women’s Club, and the Abbas Grotto Clown unit. For over 25 years, she helped the Red Cross with blood drives all over East Peoria, and along with her husband, she helped start the East Peoria Boat Club. Her contribution to the city of East Peoria cannot be overstated.

After her husband retired, they took up golf and joined a golf league in East Peoria to spend time with their many friends. Wanda lived her life to the fullest while she could. When their house and property got to be too much, they moved to a retirement community in Metamora. When her health got to the point where she needed nursing care, she went into Snyder Village.

Wanda’s family would like to thank the staff of Snyder Village for taking care of her and treating her with dignity and respect. We would also like to thank OSF Hospice for making her final days peaceful and helping her transition to her next big adventure, back to the love of her life, Lloyd.

Wanda will be incredibly missed by family and friends, who will always follow her model of treating everyone with kindness and compassion.

A private family graveside service for both Wanda and Lloyd will be held on Friday, October 8, 2021 at Fondulac Township Cemetery in East Peoria with Reverend Don Whitman officiating. A Celebration of Life will follow at 1:00 pm on Friday at the East Peoria Boat Club, 707 Collins Lane, East Peoria with COVID guidelines to be followed. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to East Peoria Women’s Club, 317 Monterey Drive, Washington, IL 61571. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

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