Joyce Keating Allison

Joyce Keating Allison, age 85, of Monmouth, Illinois, passed away at 11:20 A.M. on Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at Knoxville Courtyard Estates in Knoxville, Illinois. She was born on December 23, 1931 in Monmouth, Illinois, the daughter of William Arnott and Marjorie Jean (Root) Keating. Joyce attended seven years in Mercer County at the Pleasant Hill School, then in Monmouth and graduated from Monmouth High School with the Class of 1949. She then attended Monmouth College for two years and then attended Millikan University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in primary education with the Class of 1953. On June 16, 1954, Joyce married David C. Allison at the 1st United Presbyterian Church in Monmouth. David preceded her in death on November 9, 2011. Joyce was a 2nd and 3rd grade teacher at Willits School in Monmouth. She also taught primary education in Urbana, Illinois and at State College, Pennsylvania. Joyce served on the Monmouth School Board from 1972-1981. She was a long time member of Faith United Presbyterian Church in Monmouth serving as an Elder, Deacon, and as the first woman to serve as Clerk of the Session. Joyce was a member of Pi Beta Phi fraternity, Chapter LE of PEO, a volunteer with the American Red Cross Bloodmobile and Community Memorial Hospital Auxillary in Monmouth. Joyce was named the Woman of the Year in 1992 by the Monmouth Altrusa Club. Joyce is survived by one daughter, Marjorie Carol (Daniel Barclay) Allison of Macomb, IL, two sons; Stuart Keating (Holly Whittet-Allison) Allison of Galesburg, IL and William Frederick Allison of Phoenix, AZ, her grandchildren: Clara Barclay, Sylvia Barclay, Gillian Allison, and Gwendolyn Allison. Also surviving are two sisters: Gwendolyn Lowe of Iowa City, IA and Linda Keating of Superior, CO. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband David, and one brother, William Keating.

　

As were Joyce's wishes, cremation is being accorded. A memorial service is planned for 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, October 15, 2017 at the Dahl Chapel, Monmouth College. A memorial fund has been established for the Holt House in Monmouth, Illinois. For more information, or to leave a condolence, please visit www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com.