Joyce E. Keener

Danville – Joyce Elaine Keener, 95, of Danville passed away at 2:55 AM on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at her granddaughter's home surrounded by family. She was born October 16, 1929 in Georgetown, IL to Stanley and Audrey (Cobble) Perkins. She married Larry Hopkins in 1953, with whom she had three sons. She later married Lawrence Keener in 1964. Both preceded her in death.

She is survived by her three sons, Mark (Kim) Hopkins of Danville, Neal (Tracy) Hopkins of Houston, TX, and Scott (Terri) Hopkins of Champaign; 8 grandchildren, Adam (Ashley) Hopkins, Chris (Patty) Hopkins, Lindsey (Evan) Jenkins, Nathan (Laura) Hopkins, Katie (Eric) Davison, Chelsie (Brent) Moore, Abbey Hopkins, and Laine Hopkins; and two step-grandchildren Shamus Keener and Megan (Ryan) Keener;16 great grandchildren and one step-great grandchild; Sister-in-laws Grace (Charles deceased), Joyce (Donald deceased), and best friend Andy (Larry deceased); a dear friend, Alma Brooks; and several nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Keith Perkins, Donald Perkins, Charles Perkins, and Larry Perkins; a sister, Carol Ann Perkins; a stepson, Philip (Molly survives) Keener; and her very best friend of over 50 years, Beverly Walter.

After graduating from Georgetown High School, Joyce earned her Nursing Degree from the Lakeview Hospital College of Nursing. After achieving board certification in Chicago she went to California where she worked in Palo Alto and the Los Angeles area where she met Larry Hopkins. They were married and she moved back to the Midwest where she worked in St Louis before settling in the Danville area (and briefly in Dundee, IL) to raise her family. Once back in the Danville area she worked for the Danville VA, Lakeview Memorial Hospital in obstetrics, and finished her career as head nurse for pediatrician Dr. Meagen Tanner. After retirement she immersed herself in numerous hobbies and interests including photography, painting, sewing and quilting. Joyce remained a member of the Lakeview Alumni Association, St. James United Methodist Church, and belonged to the Daughters of the American Revolution for many years.

Joyce taught others by example that giving back to the community and serving others is vital. She regularly volunteered her time preparing sack lunches at the St. James Food Pantry and utilized her talents in the church quilting group, donating all proceeds to charity. Joyce’s legacy to her family not only involved volunteering, but also how important it was to create lifelong relationships with family and friends. She would often take her grandchildren on hikes, to amusement parks, and especially enjoyed the trips to her brother Larry's (Andy) home on Lake Redstone, LaValle, WI, where several family reunions were held. She had a lifelong friendship with fellow Lakeview Nursing School graduate Beverly Walter (preceded in death in 2007) taking many trips, celebrating holidays and spending countless hours together. This desire to create lasting relationships extended to recent times with all of the wonderful friends she made while living at Deer Creek Manor in Danville. She was dearly loved by many and will be missed.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Joyce Keener will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Visitation will be held from 3-6 PM on Friday, April 4, 2025, also at Sunset in Danville. Memorials in her name may be made to the Lakeview College of Nursing.

Please join Joyce’s family in sharing memories, photos, and videos of her life through her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.