Joan I. Haynes, 93, of Paxton, formerly from Urbana passed away at 1:29 a.m. on March 25, 2026, at Accolade Healthcare of Paxton on Pells.

She was born on July 17, 1932, in Jasper County, IL the daughter of Ralph & Philomena (Hines) Emmerich. She married Eugene Haynes in 1950; he died in 1985. She married William Kelley in 1988.

Joan is survived by her children- Jeffrey Haynes of Palm City, FL and Jodie Haynes Manship of Bondville, Il; 7 grandchildren; 17 Great Grandchildren.

She is preceded by her husbands Eugene Haynes & William Kelley; son- Joe Haynes & daughter Jeanne Crippen.

Joan graduated from Newton Community High School, Parkland College, AS, University of Illinois B.S. in elementary education and M. Ed in reading. She was a member of Kappa Delta Pi in Education, Alpha Omega, at Parkland College.

She was a secretary for University of Illinois for 15 years and a teacher in the Urbana Schools for 20 years. Her special interests were in reading and writing and encouraging children to read & write. Biggest joy is children, especially Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren.

Joan was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, International Reading Association, National Council of Teachers of English, Champaign County Retired Teachers Association, American Legion Auxiliary Post 71, Cacy Curly Q Square Dance Club. She also enjoyed volunteering for at the Veterans hospital in Danville, IL.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 708 W Main Street, Urbana, IL 61801 Father John Pham Huy will be officiating. Condolences may be made at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com