MARISSA – It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Joanne Paul, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Joanne departed this life peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and dedication. Born on August 10, 1930, in Tilden, Illinois, to John Thomas and Antoinette Lorraine Moody. Joanne dedicated her life to education, faith, and service. On August 12, 1949, she married Melvin L. Paul, and together they built a life centered on family, faith, and hard work. Melvin passed away in 2022, and in the years that followed, Joanne filled her time by writing her final book before finishing her own story of life.

Joanne was a devoted Christian and a compassionate educator, who nurtured her students with the same care and affection she bestowed upon her own children. Her illustrious teaching career spanned 35 years, beginning at Dickey School and culminating at Tilden Elementary. She earned her Bachelor's Degree from McKendree in 1963 and a Master's Degree in Education (Early Childhood) from SIU-Carbondale in 1972.

Upon her retirement in 1987, Joanne's continued her commitment to her community. She initiated a Story Hour at the Village Hall, bringing joy and learning to young minds. She also played a pivotal role in establishing a Meals on Wheels program in Tilden and Coulterville, ensuring that the elderly and homebound received nourishment and care. Joanne was instrumental in founding the Tilden Scholarship Fund, which has supported students in their academic pursuits for over 27 years.

A pillar of her church community, Joanne taught Sunday School from a young age, served on the Session, and participated in numerous committees. She was the first woman to serve on the Session and later contributed at the Presbytery Level as a member of the Committee on Ministry. She also served as a Sunday school teacher, missionary, and an active member of the Marissa Library Board and Billie Book Club, further enriching the lives of those around her through faith, education, and literature. Joanne was also an accomplished author having written "Once Upon a Tilden Time" and most recently "The Unmade Bed".

Joanne's greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her children, Mellanie Sue (Bill) Portz, Rebecca Kaye Paul, and Michael Bradley (Thom) Paul; grandchildren, Brent (Kim), Brooke (Dan), Brad (Lynn), Skylar (Paige), and Marissa (Dylan); and great-grandchildren, Kade, Bree, Brock, Ky, Chance, Reese, Kalli, Milli, Kamdyn, Bretsyn, Hatcher, and Cooper. She cherished time with them and took great pride in their accomplishments. Joanne will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to her family, her community, and her faith.

A Remembrance service will be held at Tilden Presbyterian Church on Saturday, March 1, with Rev. Dr. Dennis Hamilton officiating. Interment to follow at Marissa Twp Cemetery, Marissa.  Visitation will be at 1:00pm and  Remembrance service at 3pm.

In keeping with Joanne's spirit, guests are encouraged to celebrate her life by wearing colors that reflect the creativity and the joy she brought to all who knew her, rather than traditional black attire. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tilden Scholarship Fund in her memory.

Joanne's life was a testament to the virtues of education, service, and faith. Her legacy of love, kindness, and commitment will continue to inspire all who knew her.