Joan Lillie West Obituary (1933 - 2024)

Joan Lillie West, 90, of Lincoln, IL, passed away on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Hopedale Medical Center. Joan was born October 27, 1933, in Newton, IL, the daughter of Wallace and Marjorie (Fausnacht) Grove. She married Sherman West on March 16, 1972, in Lincoln. Joan is survived by her husband, Sherman; children, Kathy Sampson, Donna Powell, and Roy Curry; her brother, Keith (Vivian) Brakefield; as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a great-great granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her parents; former spouse, Donald L. Curry; son, Steven Curry; brother, Dale (Marge) Grove; and sisters, Esther (Jim) Mounts and Evelyn (Bill) Hadley. Joan was a wonderful woman and loved by all who knew her. She was strong, filled with determination, and highly spirited, what many of her family members would refer to as possessing the “Grove grit”. In the early years of Joan’s life, she attended a one-room school up until the 8th grade, survived Polio with extended time spent in an Iron Lung. In addition to being a beloved wife and mother, Joan also wore many hats in the workforce, one of which included being a licensed welder. However, nothing compared to the time spent with the love of her life and forever teammate, “Shermie”. She loved spending time with him over the road, driving their semi-truck while getting the opportunity to visit every state as well as Canada. Joan was one of the first female drivers for her company and the recipient of a companywide safe driving award in 1984. Joan always said those years spent driving side by side with Shermie were her favorite, known as “Little Angel”, with “Little Diesel” on the CB radio. Joan and Sherman spent 53 amazing years together, making memories, and even continued to work as a team in motel ownership until her passing. Joan was a remarkable woman and will forever be loved and missed dearly by family and friends. A celebration of Joan’s life will begin at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at The Schneider Farm in Williamsville, IL. Signs will be posted to assist with directions. Memorial donations may be made in Joan’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or The Humane Society of Logan County. Arrangements have been entrusted to Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, Lincoln, IL.