Wanda Joyce Dunavan, of Springfield, passed away February 23, 2024 - two days shy of her 81st birthday. She was born February 25, 1943, in Sesser Illinois to Lester and Anna Montgomery (Weatherly). She married James Dunavan on June 28, 1968.
She was preceded in death by her husband in 2010; parents (her father was killed in a mining accident when she was a child); four brothers, Jimmy, Frank, Wayne and Don; and one sister, Dorris Newbury. She is survived by her son, Patrick Dale Dunavan of Bloomington Illinois; brother, Ron Montgomery (Gerry) of Hilton Head, South Carolina; daughter of the heart, Desirea Noonan (Joseph Yeley) of Springfield; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Joyce worked for the State of Illinois over 30 years, retiring as Payroll Supervisor for the Department of Transportation and was a long-term member of First Baptist Church in Rochester.
If helping others is a hobby, Joyce found profound joy doing just that - not just for family but just about anyone in her Christian spirit. She missed her dogs, JP and Winston, enjoyed watching Illinois basketball and rooting for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Visitation and Funeral Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Boardman Smith Funeral Home, 800 South Grand Avenue West, Springfield. A Funeral Ceremony will follow at 12:00 p.m. with Carolyn Murray and Delbert Penrod, officiating
Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery next to her husband.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the Animal Protective League of Springfield, Baptist Children's Home and Family Services, or Central Illinois Food Bank and rooting for Illinois basketball.
Forever in our hearts.
