Elma Joan Holmes 90, known to all as Joan, passed away October 26, 2025, at her home in Fairfield. Joan entered this life on October 25, 1935, in Wayne County, to Elmer and Wilma (Williams) Legg and was the eldest of five children. She married Seth Holmes on June 14, 1964, in Fairfield, IL. Joan grew up with a strong foundation of faith that guided her throughout her journey.
Joan was a homemaker, loving wife, devoted mother, and prayer warrior. She taught Sunday school for many years and was dedicated to serving others. In her early years, Joan trained as a nurse via apprenticeship, caring for patients in critical need with skill and compassion. Later in life, she found deep joy in serving the elderly, offering comfort and kindness in their final chapters. Her life’s work reflected her calling to serve others through both professional care and personal devotion.
She is survived by her husband and their four children: Shawn Holmes (Linda) of Opdyke, IL; Shanon Holmes of Redford, MI; Shari Graves (Colin) of Mt. Zion, IL; and Shana Linder (Johnny) of Princeton, IN. Joan loved her grandchildren: Peyton Graves, Connor Graves, J’ne Clark-Shelton (Brandon), and Breanna Holmes-Linder, as well as four great-grandchildren, Ryker, Ripley, Ridge, and Rhett, each of whom brought her delight and joy.
She is also survived by her sisters and cherished a special bond with each of them: Joyce Day of Mt. Carmel, IL; Kay (Larry) White of Sims, IL; and Rhonda Vanway (Charles) of Sims, IL, as well as her many cherished nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and her beloved brother Gerald Legg. Also, her mother and father in-law, and several of her brothers and sister’s in-law.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Joan’s many caregivers who provided her with years of support: The teams at Deaconess, Gateway Cardiology, Dr. Tatinini and Dr. Kumbar; Primary Care Providers of Fairfield, Dr. Carter and Dr. Mitchell; Retina Eye Institute, Dr. Blinder; WashU Medical Glaucoma specialist Dr. Siek, and Dr. Gillinov at the Cleveland Clinic, whose skills and compassion have meant so much over the years. Also, her personal care providers Becky Scott and Kathy Milner, who made her remaining time at home so very special.
Funeral services will be held at Johnson and Vaughn, Fairfield, IL on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Funeral service at 11:00. Visitation will be from 10:00am until time of service, with burial to follow at Baltimore Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to Sims Missionary Baptist Church, Sims, IL and will be accepted at the Johnson & Vaughn Funeral Home.
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