Joanne Emma Downs

Joanne Emma Downs, 87, of Mattoon, IL passed away at 4:51 PM on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon, IL.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at the Edwards Funeral Home, 221 East Main St., Arcola, IL. Burial will follow in the Arcola Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Monday, October 12, 2026 at the funeral home.

Joanne was born on November 3, 1938 in Olney, IL. She was a daughter of Manley Paul and Velma Fern (Brownfield) Paddick.

She is survived by two children, Jennifer King and her companion Rick of Murrells Inlet, SC, and Jerome Downs and his wife Kelly of Dorans, IL, six grandchildren, Jasmyn Jeffers and her husband Tommy of Simpsonville, SC, Jeslyn Scott of Sullivan, IL, Brittany Yoder and her husband Jonathan of Arthur, IL, Jordan Downs and his wife Dorianna of Champaign, IL, Lacy Davis of Charleston, and Macklyn Thornburgh of Chicago, IL, 12 great grandchildren, Axel, Pacie, Tripp, Rhyder, Jaden, Natalie, Jackson, Everly, Kyler, Berkleigh, Baily, and Layla, and one great great grandchild, Estella.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter, Jalena Jill Downs, one brother, Merle Paddick, her twin brother, Jack Paddick and his wife, Ramona, and two sets of infant twins.

Joanne graduated from Bridgeport, IL. She attended EIU where she received her bachelor’s degree in education.

Joanne taught 4th and 5th grade at Arcola Elementary School for 15 years and she was an insurance agent for New York Life.

Joanne was a member of the Methodist Church where she was involved in many different groups with the church, she was part of the Methodist Women’s group, she was the church secretary for some time, and she also played the organ.

In her free time, she enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She played a lot of card games with bridge being her favorite, she was even in four bridge groups at one time. Joanne also spent many hours volunteering at homeless shelters and the Cunninghams Children’s Home.

Memorials may be made to donors choice.