Joan Lee Williams

Joan Lee Williams, 87, passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at Haven of
Champaign, Illinois.
Joan was born on November 23, 1938, in Grass Valley, California, the daughter of
Pharis Robert and Margery (Odgers) DeLaMare. She graduated from Mariposa 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, Illinois, Hawker Energy in Warrensburg, Missouri, and the fabric department
at Hobby Lobby in Centennial, Colorado.
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, Illinois; and Bill
(Brenda) Williams from Littleton, Colorado; 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 is 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.