Helen Joanne Grissom's Obituary
Helen Joanne Grissom, lovingly known as “Joanne” to all who knew her, age 89, of Charleston, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the Odd Fellow–Rebekah Home in Mattoon, Illinois. She was born on June 8, 1936, in Charleston, Illinois, to Kenneth and Leora (Rice) Stewart.
On December 25, 1954, Joanne married the love of her life, Richard Arthur Grissom, in Casey, Illinois. They shared 70 beautiful years of marriage, building a life centered on love, family, and unwavering devotion to one another. Richard preceded her in death on October 31, 2025, and though their time apart was brief, the depth of their bond remained evident in Joanne’s heart and life.
Joanne is survived by her three children: Gary (Nancy) Grissom of Charleston, Illinois; Curtis (Lori) Grissom of Charleston, Illinois; and Christina (Ross) Davis of Mattoon, Illinois. She also leaves behind six grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and three brothers: Lowell “Butch” Stewart of Charleston, Illinois, Duane Stewart of Charleston, Illinois, and Merle (Lorraine) Stewart of Toledo, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Grissom; her parents, Kenneth and Leora Stewart; and her sister, Marilyn Tipton.
Joanne was a 1953 graduate of Toledo High School. While Richard proudly served in the United States Air Force, Joanne devoted herself to raising their family, creating a loving and steady home wherever military life took them. No matter the distance or destination, she ensured their children were surrounded by comfort, care, and a strong sense of family. After Richard’s military service concluded, the family returned to Charleston, where Joanne spent the remainder of her life.
A woman of deep faith and quiet service, Joanne was a devoted member of the First Church of God for more than 40 years. She also gave of herself through her work as a school bus chaperone for children with disabilities in Charleston for over 13 years, a role she fulfilled with patience, kindness, and genuine compassion for every child entrusted to her care.
Joanne found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved sewing, cooking, and collecting teapots, hobbies that reflected her creativity and warmth. She also embraced adventure throughout her life, spending more than 30 years riding motorcycles and later enjoying motorhome camping, traveling, and making cherished memories with family and friends.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026 at Adams Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Russ Finley officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, Illinois. Burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Church of God, 1225 Montgomery Drive, Charleston, Illinois 61920.
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