Joan Lee Williams, 87, passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at Haven of Champaign, Ill.
Joan was born on Nov. 23, 1938, in Grass Valley, Calif., the daughter of Pharis Bryan and Margery (Odgers) DeLaMare. She graduated from Mariposa County
High School in California in 1956 and went on to work various places in her younger years.
Some of her most notable jobs throughout her career include the Dairy Queen in Carthage, Ill., Hawker Energy in Warrensburg, Mo., and the fabric department at Hobby Lobby in Centennial, Colo.
Joan was a woman of many hobbies and spent her days gardening, sewing, quilting and baking. Her quilts were gifts given to every baby in the family, the total amount numbering in the hundreds throughout her lifetime.
Her baking was untouchable, especially her homemade cookies, pies and bread, the recipe which her family continues to make and enjoy to this day. Joan was the family historian, documenting the family tree and passing on the knowledge to future generations. She had a deep love for Yosemite National Park, stemming from her father’s years of dedicated service.
Joan is survived by her sons Rick (Brenda) Williams of Mahomet, Ill.; and Bill (Brenda) Williams from Littleton, Colo.; seven grandchildren: Amanda (Kyle) Szugye, Ryan (Christal) Williams, Emily (Dan) Riewerts, Wesley (Michelle) Williams, Zachary Williams, Ashley (Patrick) Swanson and Haley Williams; nine great-grandchildren; two sisters: Jennie (Ed) Verley and Margaret “Maggie” (Bob) Adams; and her brother John (Sherry) DeLaMare. Other survivors include several nieces and nephews.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents, her son Charlie “Chuck” Williams; and her brother Tom DeLaMare.
A memorial service with burial at Moss Ridge Cemetery in Carthage will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be directed to Mariposa Museum and History Center, 5119 Jessie St., Mariposa CA 95338 (mariposamuseum.com).
Tributes and condolences may be left at www.printyfuneralhome.com
Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.
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