Joan Ray Head, 94, passed away peacefully, October 3, 2023, with her family by her side. Joan anchored her life on faith, family, and community. She is Mama to Laura Shearer Head Powell (Jay), Jennifer Johnson Head Mabry, Charles Malcolm Head (Susan), Sarah Bartlett Head Stambaugh (Joe), Jane Milne Head Shimkus (Randy). She was preceded in death by her husband Charles Rollin Head II and their infant son, Matthew Ray Head.
Her 16 grandchildren gave her purpose and pure joy. Caitlin Rose Powell Paleologus (Niko), Dallas, Texas; Ralph Jacob Powell IV, Austin, Texas; Charles Anthony Powell, Lubbock, Texas; Brittany Anne Powell, Austin, Texas; Laurel Grace Mabry Poff, Anchorage, Alaska; Heather Katherine Mabry, Melbourne, Australia; Sarah Elizabeth Mabry Calle, Amherst, Massachusetts; Solomon Harrison Mabry, Dallas, Texas; Moriah Alexandra Mabry, Denver, Colorado; Hunter Milne Mabry, Eugene, Oregon; Rollin Dean Head (Sasha), Blue Mound, Illinois; Alexander Reed Head (Lena), Decatur, Illinois; William Ervin Stambaugh, Nashville, Tennessee; Olivia Esther Shimkus, Dallas, Texas; Malcolm Austin James Shimkus, Dallas, Texas; Mason Scott Shimkus, Tishomingo, Oklahoma.
Mama’s great grandchildren took her love to another level. Raegan Marie Head & Maddox Dean Head (Rollin & Sasha), Autumn Grace Poff (Laurel), Eduardo Robinson Calle Mabry (Sarah Elizabeth)
Laura’s family showered Mama with laughter and song. Jennifer’s family cherished summers & holidays on the farm. Malcolm’s family shared their farm experiences and are certain they are Mama’s favorite. Sarah’s family poured out their heart and soul to care for Mama in their home. Jane’s family savored Mama’s recipes, words of encouragement and sideline cheers. Grandma’s engaging personality made it fun to join in games of charades, checkers, bridge, rummy, marbles and solitaire.
Joan instilled her love of family from when she was born in Monmouth, Illinois to Carr and Mary Helen (Johnson) Ray. She grew up on the Berwick Road and walked to her elementary school. She excelled in Abingdon High School and graduated in 1947. She attended Monmouth College and graduated with a degree in Physical Education in 1951. Her dad was extremely proud of her for being the first child of his family to graduate college.
Joan met the love of her life when her friends arranged a blind date with Charles. They married on February 25, 1956. They lived in Naperville, Illinois until 1963 when they moved to Joan’s family farm in Berwick. Their 61 years together grew stronger each day. Together they raised their five children, cherished their neighbors, attended great bridge challenges, attended church, and hosted Camp Cousins. Their ultimate joy was when everyone visited the farm and contributed to their community.
She was the older sister of Helen Virginia Ray Kenney (Columbia, MO) and David Carr Ray (Editha) (Berwick, IL). Their sibling get togethers were intimate and fuel for their souls.
Joan had a wonderful life full of accomplishments and recognitions yet stayed grounded. She was committed to multiple community organizations. She was baptized in the Berwick Baptist Church and then became a lifelong member of the Abingdon Christian Church. She also participated in Home Extension, school activities, alumni events, Pi Beta Phi meetings and the Abingdon Rotary Club. The Rotary Park became Joan’s passion as it was transformed into a community jewel. She was humbled and honored to receive the distinguished Paul Harris Award in March 2023.
In 1948, Joan was initiated into Illinois Alpha Chapter of her beloved Pi Beta Phi Sorority. In 2023, she received her 75 year Diamond Arrow Pin. She wore it proudly and all it represented through her last days. Her Pi Phi sisters were an extension of her family.
Joan spent 30 years as a greeter and garden center extraordinaire at HyVee in Galesburg, IL. She thoroughly enjoyed applying her Master Gardener skills and sunny style. HyVee was yet another family expansion. She loved dressing up, putting on her radiant smile and making new friends in every aisle. Her dear HyVee friend and coworker, Mary Vega, made every conversation personal and welcoming. Duane Swisher was another trusted colleague who became a dear friend.
The highlight of each week was when Joan could visit her close friend and confidant, Shelly Lockwood, to get her hair done and share words of hope.
In her last 2 years, as Joan spent more time away from the farm, her sidekick Hope (cat) was well cared for by her best friend and family member, Jane Cramer. Jane is the selfless, giving, sweet farm angel which Joan and family love dearly and are forever grateful.
Joan’s amazing life will be celebrated Saturday, October 14, 2023, at the Abingdon Christian Church, 409 South Main, Abingdon, Illinois. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. The Service will follow with Pastor Linda Mowrer officiating. Burial will be at the Berwick Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Abingdon Rotary Club. Online condolences may be left for the family on www.h-p-w.com.
