Joyce Farr

Joyce Farr, 89, of Pana, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, Illinois. A devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, and member of the Pana community, Joyce’s warmth and kindness touched the lives of many. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Pana, Illinois, with Pastor Terrence O’Brien officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. at the church until the time of service. She will be laid to rest beside her husband in Linwood Cemetery, Pana Township, Illinois. Memorial contributions in Joyce’s honor may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or the Carnegie-Schuyler Library of Pana, Illinois. Joyce was born on November 16, 1935, in Charleston, Illinois, the daughter of Dwight and Maxine (White) Childress. She grew up in Charleston, attending school there before graduating from Charleston High School. On June 3, 1955, she married William S. Farr, in Neoga, Illinois. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. They enjoyed traveling, dining out with friends every weekend, and making lasting memories with their family. A talented cook and baker, Joyce took great joy in preparing meals for those she loved. She was happiest in the kitchen, hosting family dinners and ensuring everyone felt welcome at her table. Her home was always filled with the comforting aromas of freshly baked desserts, and warm conversation. A lifelong and active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Joyce was dedicated to her faith and sang in the church choir for many years. She belonged to the Ladies’ Guild and was an active participant in the Pana Business and Professional Women, Pana Women’s Group, and the Red Hat Society. Social and outgoing, she made friends wherever she went. Joyce’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother to William Farr of Pana and Cynthia Schmitz (Joseph) of Pana. She was a proud grandmother to Jillian Sloan (Derek) of Boise, Idaho, and Matthew Schmitz (Mallory) of Rochester, Illinois. She adored her great-grandchildren, Eleanor and Harrison Sloan, and Logan and Laurel Schmitz, all of whom will carry on her legacy of love and kindness. She is also survived by her brother, Gerald Childress of Palm Harbor, Florida. She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, William. Joyce’s warmth, generosity, and love for her family and friends will never be forgotten. She will be deeply missed.

Joyce Farr

November 16, 1935 - March 27, 2025