Joan E. (Elbert) Deford

Joan DeFord, 81, of Metamora went into the arms of her savior at her residence on Friday, September 6, 2024.  She was greeted in heaven by her husband, Willie, and daughter, Penny, who had passed away two weeks before Joan.

Joan was born February 24, 1943 in Peoria to Herman and Gertrude (Eichorn) Elbert.  She was the salutatorian of the Metamora Township class of 1961.   She also graduated from St. Francis School of Nursing in 1964.  She married Willie on July 24, 1965 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Metamora.  They were a month shy of their 54th anniversary when he passed away on June 15, 2019. She worked as an R.N. at St. Francis Hospital after graduating from 1964 until 1966.  After staying home to raise her young children she resumed her career in 1977 and retired as the assistance director of nursing at Washington Christian Village in March 2000.  Although retired she still gave care to family and friends who were in need throughout her life.  She enjoyed spending time with Willie and her grandchildren and took great pride in the garden they maintained on their property.  Her Catholic faith meant everything to her and she was a daily mass participant until her health would not allow it.  She loved music and was proud to be on record that her high school chorus made.  She enjoyed singing and listening to her collection of Statler Brothers records. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Willie, and oldest daughter, Penny.  Surviving are daughter, Laurie (Jeff Vittoe) Mirus of Hampshire and son, Russ (Becky) DeFord of Germantown Hills.  Also surviving are grandchildren Courtney (Tyler) Earley of Morton, Wren (Rachael Rowe) Goff of Eureka, Montana (Ryan Allen) Mirus of Hampshire, and Natalie DeFord of Germantown Hills.  She is also survived by six great grandchildren as well as Penny's partner, Bob Emory of Bushnell.  Three brothers and three sisters preceded her in death.  She is survived by sister Doris (the late Melvin) Forney of Metamora and brothers Allen (Sarah) Elbert of Sulligent, AL, and Lynn (the late Sharon) of Metamora.  Many wonderful in-laws also preceded her in death.

The family would like to thank Apostolic Christian Home of Roanoke and Transitions Hospice for their great care of Joan during the final stages of her life.

Recitation of the Rosary will be held at Mason Funeral Home in Metamora on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 3:30 pm with visitation to follow from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm.  A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church on Friday, September 13, 2024 at 10:00 am with Father Eric Bolek officiating. Burial at St. Mary's Cemetery in Metamora will follow the mass.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Mary's School, 400 West Chatham Street, Metamora, IL 61548 where Joan, her siblings, and all her children graduated. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

St. Mary's School
400 West Chatham Street, Metamora IL 61548