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Obituary
Joan Ray Head, 94, passed away
peacefully, October 3, 2023, with her family by her
side. Joan anchored her life on faith, family, and
community. She is Mama to Laura Shearer Head Powell
(Jay), Jennifer Johnson Head Mabry, Charles Malcolm
Head (Susan), Sarah Bartlett Head Stambaugh (Joe),
Jane Milne Head Shimkus (Randy). She was preceded in
death by her husband Charles Rollin Head II and
their infant son, Matthew Ray Head.
Her 16 grandchildren gave her purpose and pure joy.
Caitlin Rose Powell Paleologus (Niko), Dallas,
Texas; Ralph Jacob Powell IV, Austin, Texas; Charles
Anthony Powell, Lubbock, Texas; Brittany Anne
Powell, Austin, Texas; Laurel Grace Mabry Poff,
Anchorage, Alaska; Heather Katherine Mabry,
Melbourne, Australia; Sarah Elizabeth Mabry Calle,
Amherst, Massachusetts; Solomon Harrison Mabry,
Dallas, Texas; Moriah Alexandra Mabry, Denver,
Colorado; Hunter Milne Mabry, Eugene, Oregon; Rollin
Dean Head (Sasha), Blue Mound, Illinois; Alexander
Reed Head (Lena), Decatur, Illinois; William Ervin
Stambaugh, Nashville, Tennessee; Olivia Esther
Shimkus, Dallas, Texas; Malcolm Austin James
Shimkus, Dallas, Texas; Mason Scott Shimkus,
Tishomingo, Oklahoma.
Mama’s great grandchildren took her love to another
level. Raegan Marie Head & Maddox Dean Head (Rollin
& Sasha), Autumn Grace Poff (Laurel), Eduardo
Robinson Calle Mabry (Sarah Elizabeth)
Laura’s family showered Mama with laughter and song.
Jennifer’s family cherished summers & holidays on
the farm. Malcolm’s family shared their farm
experiences and are certain they are Mama’s
favorite. Sarah’s family poured out their heart and
soul to care for Mama in their home. Jane’s family
savored Mama’s recipes, words of encouragement and
sideline cheers. Grandma’s engaging personality made
it fun to join in games of charades, checkers,
bridge, rummy, marbles and solitaire.
Joan instilled her love of family from when she was
born in Monmouth, Illinois to Carr and Mary Helen
(Johnson) Ray. She grew up on the Berwick Road and
walked to her elementary school. She excelled in
Abingdon High School and graduated in 1947. She
attended Monmouth College and graduated with a
degree in Physical Education in 1951. Her dad was
extremely proud of her for being the first child of
his family to graduate college.
Joan met the love of her life when her friends
arranged a blind date with Charles. They married on
February 25, 1956. They lived in Naperville,
Illinois until 1963 when they moved to Joan’s family
farm in Berwick. Their 61 years together grew
stronger each day. Together they raised their five
children, cherished their neighbors, attended great
bridge challenges, attended church, and hosted Camp
Cousins. Their ultimate joy was when everyone
visited the farm and contributed to their community.
She was the older sister of Helen
Virginia Ray Kenney (Columbia, MO) and David Carr
Ray (Editha) (Berwick, IL). Their sibling get
togethers were intimate and fuel for their souls.
Joan had a wonderful life full of accomplishments
and recognitions yet stayed grounded. She was
committed to multiple community organizations. She
was baptized in the Berwick Baptist Church and then
became a lifelong member of the Abingdon Christian
Church.
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She also participated in Home Extension,
school activities, alumni events, Pi Beta Phi meetings and
the Abingdon Rotary Club. The Rotary Park became Joan’s
passion as it was transformed into a community jewel. She
was humbled and honored to receive the distinguished Paul
Harris Award in March 2023.
In 1948, Joan was initiated into Illinois Alpha Chapter of
her beloved Pi Beta Phi Sorority. In 2023, she received her
75-year Diamond Arrow Pin. She wore it proudly and all it
represented through her last days. Her Pi Phi sisters were
an extension of her family.
Joan spent 30 years as a greeter and garden center
extraordinaire at HyVee in Galesburg, IL. She thoroughly
enjoyed applying her Master Gardener skills and sunny style.
HyVee was yet another family expansion. She loved dressing
up, putting on her radiant smile and making new friends in
every aisle. Her dear HyVee friend and coworker, Mary Vega,
made every conversation personal and welcoming. Duane
Swisher was another trusted colleague who became a dear
friend.
The highlight of each week was when Joan could visit her
close friend and confidant, Shelly Lockwood, to get her hair
done and share words of hope.
In her last 2 years, as Joan spent more time away from the
farm, her sidekick Hope (cat) was well cared for by her best
friend and family member, Jane Cramer. Jane is the selfless,
giving, sweet farm angel which Joan and family love dearly
and are forever grateful.
Joan’s amazing life was celebrated Saturday, October 14,
2023, at the Abingdon Christian Church, 409 South Main,
Abingdon, Illinois. The Service followed with Pastor Linda
Mowrer officiating. Burial was at the Berwick Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Abingdon Rotary Club.
Online condolences may be left for the family on
www.h-p-w.com.
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