Obituary for Joann T. Childers
Joann T. Childers, 87, of Jacksonville, IL formerly of Pekin, IL passed away on May 21, 2023. She was born on October 20, 1935, in McLeansboro, IL and is the daughter of Frank and Mary Krouse. She married Donald Balthis in 1962 and later divorced. Joann married Lloyd Childers in 1971 and made a life in Pekin, IL. She is survived by one son, Mark (Shannon) Balthis of Evansville, IN, and one daughter, Tina (Clifton) Hungerford of Jacksonville, IL. Also surviving are three grandchildren, Krista Emmons and RJ Emmons of Evansville, IN, and Frankie Hungerford of Jacksonville, IL.; two great-grandchildren, Ashlynn and Kajianna; six great-great-grandchildren, E’layla, A’mara, Maleah, Kade, Kayanna, and Kyrie; nieces, Kathy Allen, Connie Baumann, and Kerry Jo Hayes; nephews, Mike Childers and David Childers and great nieces and great nephews. She was proceeded in death by both parents; husband, Lloyd Childers; brother, Kendall “Bud” Krouse; niece, Katherine Szoriscik; aunts, Frieda Fields, and Marguerite Trout; uncle, James “Jim” Trout; sister-in-law, Thelma Childers, and brother-in-law, Ronald Childers.
Joann’s Grandpa Sam and Grandma Lizey were her favorites along with her aunts, Frieda and Marguerite and uncle, Jim. She spent a great deal of time with all of them. Her Grandpa Sam favored her. His friends and family teased him about it, saying they hoped she never wanted the moon pulled down because Sam would make it happen.
Joann attended St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf in Missouri. Her dad worked for the railroad, which meant his family was able to ride the passenger train for free. Mary would use this advantage to take Joann back and forth to school while Frank worked. Joann lived at the school during the school year but came home some weekends. She graduated in 1953 with a class of 5 other students.
Joann attended higher education and worked at various places throughout her life. She went to Tri-State Beauty College, Lockyear Business College, and worked at Bethel Sanitarium in Evansville. In Pekin, she worked at Cobbler’s Corner and Godfather’s Pizza. After moving to Jacksonville in 2000, she worked at Dairy Queen for the Dillards for many years.
Joann was always friendly and certainly didn’t know a stranger. Joann was involved in different Deaf clubs and organizations over the years. She loved church, bible study, potlucks and really… all things sweet. Word searches, crossword puzzles, and BINGO were among her favorite pastimes. What she loved most of all was time spent with her family playing UNO or Skipbo and eating snacks. She loved animals, especially her dogs. She was a wonderful person and will truly be missed.
Cremation has been accorded and a memorial service will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, June 17, 2023, with visitation 2 hours prior at Lynnville Christian Church, 32 Albion Street, Jacksonville, IL. Graveside services will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to her daughter to assist with arrangements.
The family has entrusted Abts Mortuary in Pekin, IL with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at abtsmortuary.com
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