Joann A. Johns, 88, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 4:57 A.M. Friday, September 11, 2026, at Country Health Care and Rehab in Gifford, IL. She was born on October 7, 1937, in Elgin, IL, the daughter of Joseph Benjamin and Anna (Gschwind) Gudeman. She married Robert Lee Young on April 19, 1958, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park, IL. He preceded her in death on February 23, 1990. She later married Charles Sidney Johns on December 11, 1999, at Hoopeston First Church of the Nazarene. He preceded her in death on January 17, 2013.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Anna Gudeman; two step-daughters, Sandra LaFrance and Pamela Okeli; four brothers, William, Earl, Melvin, and Marvin Gudeman; and one granddaughter, April Erickson.
Joann is survived by four daughters, Paula (Tim) Paxton of Hoopeston, IL, Sheila (Keith) Abbott of Urbana, IL, Darla (Brian) Nooyan of Green Bay, WI and Pamela Young of Green Bay, WI; two sons, Kevin (Kim) Young of St. Joseph, IL and Keith (Jeannie) Young of Rankin, IL; one brother, Donald Gudeman of Phoenix, AZ; 19 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Joann attended and graduated from Rankin Township High School. After graduation, she began working, babysitting for many families. She later worked for C.R.I.S. and Senior Adult Meal Services for over twenty years until her retirement. Joann was a member of the Hoopeston Community Church of the Nazarene, where she was active in helping with church meals. She previously served as a Girl Scout Leader and volunteered at the Rankin Food Share. Joann enjoyed sewing and loved spending time with her family and grandchildren.
Visitation will be held 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will follow the visitation and will be held at 12:00 P.M. Tuesday, September 22nd, at the funeral home with Rev. Thomas McCann officiating. Burial will follow in Rankin Union Cemetery in Rankin, IL.
Memorial donations may be made in memory of Joann to the Hoopeston Community Church of the Nazarene, 402 E. Honeywell Ave., Hoopeston, IL 60942.
Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Joann’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.
Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements
