Joy Lee Peters

Joy Lee Peters, 63, of Danville, died at 6:10 p.m. on Tuesday, November 22, 2005 at Danville Care South Nursing Home in Danville. She was born July 16, 1942 in Kankakee, Illinois, the daughter of Kenneth Phillip and Helen Leola (Coyne) Strough. She is survived by her mother Helen of Danville; her life partner of 28 years Bradley R. Ross; and many special aunts and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father and her maternal grandparents Frank and Ella Caylor. Joy graduated from Gilman High School in 1960. She graduated from Illinois State University in 1964 with a B.S. Degree in music. In 1976 she graduated from the University of Illinois with a Masters Degree in Elementary Education. She received a Master Degree in Educational Administration from Eastern Illinois University in 1994. Joy worked as a choral music director at North Ridge Junior High and as a Kindergarten teacher at Meade Park Elementary school. She worked as the Children at Risk Educationally coordinator. And was director of the adult and children choirs at First Presbyterian Church. Joy was an Arts In the Park committee member. She was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church, National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), Phi Delta Kappa, Retired Teachers Association, Association of Curriculum and Supervision. She was founder of the Red Coats at North Ridge Middle School and a Relay of Life Chairperson for the American Cancer Society. Joy enjoyed reading, gardening, traveling, music, children and helping others. She also enjoyed attending local fine arts productions. She will be missed by her loyal pet, Melody and many friends.