JoAnn Willis English

JoAnn Willis English, 92, of Sycamore, passed away peacefully on July 24 at Oak Crest Health Center with family at her side. Her strength and independence allowed her to be active and remain in her home until only days before her passing.

Born June 3, 1933, JoAnn was the daughter of Robert & Mildred Willis of Clare, IL. She attended the Clare country school through seventh grade and then Sycamore schools, graduating high school in 1951. Encouraged by her father to pursue a career in nursing, she graduated in 1954 from Wesley Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. With a dedicated passion for caregiving, she earned her bachelor's and master's in nursing from Northern Illinois University, all while working and raising three children. Her career included RN positions in direct patient care at local hospitals and 21 years at Kishwaukee College as an instructor in the nursing program. Once retired, she continued to share her skills and gift of compassion as a DeKalb County Hospice volunteer.

Some of her favorite joys after retiring included travel with siblings and friends, playing Bridge, keeping active with water exercise classes, and most especially watching granddaughter Brooke's softball games with KV Storm and Kishwaukee Kougars.

Every bit of family time was always special to JoAnn. She is survived by daughter Carolyn Wallis (husband Rich, and his son Doug); her son Jim English (wife Sherry, Jim's daughter Brooke and her sisters Ashley and Brittany); her son John English (wife Wendi). In addition, she is survived by her sister Mary Willis, brother Frank Willis, and many nieces, nephews, cousins. JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Patty Willis, Pat Heinz and Roberta Horne, and granddaughter Tonya Duff Booker.

On Saturday, August 9, 2025, visitation and a service of uplifting prayer and music will be held at Mayfield Church, 28405 Church Road, Sycamore, IL. Visitation 1:00 pm, Service 2:00 pm, followed by refreshments at the church. Your comfortable attire and happy colors are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, JoAnn asked for those who wish, to please consider donating to Mayfield Church or Northern Illinois Hospice.

To sign the online guest book, go to www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com