Joanne A. Brewer's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Joanne A. Brewer, age 89 of Charleston, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on Friday, October 16, 2015. Visitation for family and friends will be held Tuesday, October 20, 2015 from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Funeral Services honoring and celebrating her life will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral chapel with Rev. Jeffrey Brewer officiating. Burial will follow in Mound Cemetery in Charleston. Thoughtful donations in her honor may be made to the American Heart Association or to the First Presbyterian Church in Charleston. Gifts may be left during the visitation or service or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Joanne was born June 8, 1926 in rural Charleston, IL to the late Willis E. and Nellie (Ferris) McKinney. She was united in marriage to John Brewer on September 7, 1946 and they shared 46 years of marriage prior to his death on November 26, 1992. Joanne is survived by two loving children, a son, Steven Brewer and wife Diane of Columbus, OH and a daughter, Paula Pogue and husband Jim of Charleston; three grandchildren, Jeffrey (Jennifer) Brewer of Villa Park, IL, Libby (Tim) Grazian of Indianapolis, and John Pogue of Shelbyville, IL; seven great-grandchildren, Maggie, Molly, Ellie and Betsy Brewer and Talia, Zoe, and Matai Grazian; and several nieces and nephews and their families. In addition to her parents and husband, Joanne was also preceded in death by her two brothers, Willis McKinney, Jr. and Howard McKinney. Joanne was a woman of faith and a long time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Charleston, where she served her church family as a past Elder and was a member of the Presbyterian Women whose focus is on mission and service. Joanne was a graduate of Charleston High School. She met John Brewer while working in the bookkeeping department of the Charleston National Bank. Following their marriage she left the bank and devoted her time to working alongside John on their farm land, assisting with their rental properties, and creating a warm and loving home for their family. Her devotion to her family was obvious in all that she did. Her home cooked meals were always enjoyed by those gathered round her table and her homemade black raspberry cobbler was always a treat. Her skills as a seamstress were evident as in the beautiful wedding dress she sewed for her daughter-in-law. She had a heart for helping others and that along with her love of children motivated her to volunteer in the libraries of the Charleston School District for 17 years. She also loved nature and watching the various types of birds, especially the hummingbirds which frequented her feeders. Working word puzzles and jigsaw puzzles were also a favorite pastime. Joanne was described as a hardworking woman with a pioneer spirit and a lot of spunk. She was a woman who dearly loved her home and her family. They will miss her daily presence in their lives but will be comforted as they reflect upon their many memories of special times shared.Click to view Joanne's memorial video.
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