M Joan Edwards

CHAMPAIGN- Mary Joan Edwards, 80, of Champaign, died at 8:05 a.m., on Tuesday (June 4, 2013) at home. Joan was born on September 28, 1932 in Danville, the daughter of James and Pearl (Hart) Guess. She married John Wayne Edwards in Tilton, on August 31, 1956; he preceded her in death on March 26, 1968. She is survived by one son, Tom and Mary Edwards of Sibley; one daughter, Susan Edwards of Urbana; grandchildren, Shaun and Jessica Edwards, Michael Edwards, Alicia, Alex, and Celi Edwards-Jackson, and Josh Peak. Preceding her in death were her parents; one daughter, Mary Elizabeth Edwards, and one sister, Jean Hendricks. Joan attended Illinois State University, Parkland Jr. College and the Utterback Business College. She wored as a Church secretary for Windsor Road Christian Church, performed general office work for Manpower Temporary Services in Champaign, an served as a statistical typist for Northern Illinois Water Corporation. In April, 1982, Joan started work in the Music Cataloging Unit of the Music Library as a secretary. She remained there until July of 1988 when she transferred to the College of Engineering Administration Office. Joan retired in November, 1997. But as many employees discover, the University beckoned once more and Joan returned, working extra help and then as a permanent employee again until June, 2003. Joan enjoyed telling stories, traveling, reading, and spending time with her family. She will be fondly remembered for her love of the Illini, her independence, caring nature, and sense of humor. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 pm on Thursday, June 6, 2013 at the funeral home. A service to celebrate and remember the life of Joan Edwards will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 7, 2013 at Sunset Funeral Home's Champaign-Urbana Chapel, 710 N. Neil St., Champaign with Pastor Tim Barber officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, Danville, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made to Relay for Life or the American Cancer Society in Joan's honor. Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center Champaign Urbana Chapel, 710 N. Neil St., Champaign, is in charge of arrangements. Please join Joan's family in sharing memoires of her life through her Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com