Joan Lee Mobley

PEKIN ~ Joan Lee Mobley, 81, of Pekin, passed away peacefully at 4:30 p.m. Monday, January 12, 2026 at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, surrounded by love and the legacy of a life poured out for others.

Born September 17, 1944 in Litchfield to Clarence and Dorothy (Hantla) Tilley, Joan learned early the sacred dignity of hard work, humility, and caring for those entrusted to you. These values became the quiet rhythm of her entire life.

She married David Eatock on May 6, 1967 in Litchfield. She later married Carl D. Mobley on August 6, 1987 in Hopedale, who preceded her in death on April 9, 2011 in Peoria. She was also preceded in death by her parents.

Surviving are her son, Pastor Brian (Carole) Eatock of Pekin, and her treasured grandsons, Isaiah (Abby Winstead) and Ian Eatock, both of Pekin — the great joy of her later years.

Joan worked in human resources at the Clinton Power Station and later served faithfully as an associate in Human Resources at Union Insurance in Bloomington. She previously worked in human resources at the Clinton Power Station. Yet her true vocation was never defined by a job title. It was defined by how relentlessly she cared.

Joan was the kind of woman who quietly went without so others would not. She sacrificed comfort, time, rest, and resources to make sure her family was cared for — not occasionally, but instinctively. Whether staying up late to make sure everyone had what they needed, preparing meals that felt like home rather than food, or offering steady presence in moments when life felt unbearable, Joan gave herself away again and again.

Her kitchen was a sanctuary. Dinner was not merely a meal — it was her way of holding the family together. To sit at her table was to be reminded that you were known, valued, and safe.

She was a devoted member of Pekin First Church of the Nazarene and deeply connected to the Widows' Journey group, where she enjoyed the fellowship and devotions with her friends. She also loved dogs, treasured quiet moments with a Sudoku puzzle, and carried a gentle strength that never asked for recognition.

Joan lived with a servant’s heart and a mom's soul. Her love was steady, her sacrifices unseen by many, but their impact is immeasurable.

Her memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 24, 2026 at Pekin First Church of the Nazarene in Pekin. Pastor Cheryl Sherwood will officiate. A memorial visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Private inurnment will be in Orendorff Cemetery in Hopedale. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pekin First Church of the Nazarene, Widows' Journey, 3514 Broadway, Pekin, IL 61554.

Joan will be remembered not simply for how she lived — but for how completely she gave herself away for the sake of others.

To express condolences online, visit www.Preston-Hanley.com