Helen Joan Graham

Helen “Joan” Graham, 92, longtime rural Raymond resident and beloved matriarch to many, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus, surrounded by the love of family.

Funeral services will be held at Noon on Saturday, January 17, 2026, in Community of Faith Church in Raymond, IL. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. – Noon on Saturday in the church. Burial will be in Asbury Cemetery, Raymond, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Raymond Harvel Ambulance Helipad or Panhandle Food Pantry in Raymond, IL. Arrangements are by Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL. Send condolences at www.howeandyockey.com

Joan was born April 20, 1933, in rural Litchfield, to William Leroy and Virginia (Weatherford) Crawford. After graduating from Raymond High School as Salutatorian, she began her career at First National Bank of Raymond, retiring from the bank in 1995 after many years of dedicated service.

She married Dale W. Graham, and together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and grain and livestock farming on the Graham family farm in rural Raymond. In 2018, Joan and Dale moved to Timber Creek Village in Litchfield, where Joan quickly became known as the heart of the community. Joan had the spiritual gift of hospitality, welcoming residents, loving on families, and making everyone feel like they belonged.

Joan cherished her family deeply, but her heart extended far beyond her own home. She nurtured many close and lifelong friendships, offering encouragement, laughter, prayer, and companionship. She never met a stranger and collected friends like cherished treasures.

Her faith was her foundation. Joan served her church family at First Presbyterian Church of Raymond, which later became Community of Faith Church, for decades. Over the years, she served as a Deacon, Elder, Sunday School teacher, Bible School teacher, and Women’s Assembly leader roles she filled with devotion, grace, and an unwavering servant’s heart. She believed strongly in prayer, kindness, and homecooked meals.

Joan also served her community through Montgomery County 4-H, inspiring youth (especially her own children) to cook, bake, sew, and lead with confidence. She later served on the Montgomery County Extension Council, volunteered with Meals on Wheels, and supported the Raymond Panhandle Food Pantry. To Joan, service was simply love in action; she never counted the hours, only the people.

Joan was also a 24-year member of the Peter Meyer Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution.

Joan was known for her love of shopping, the latest fashion trends, and her generous heart. But perhaps her sweetest legacy came from her kitchen, where she was famous for:

• Cut-out iced sugar cookies (cut with precision and iced with love)
• Homemade divinity (whipped with patience)
• Best of Show angel food cake
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Joan spent countless hours tending the family garden alongside her husband and children, snapping beans, shucking corn and preserving harvests. She loved sharing both produce and kitchen counter conversations with friends.

She is survived by her three children:

• Son William Graham and wife Sheryl, Cleveland, TN
• Daughter Marilyn and husband Randy Biehler, Shelbyville, IL
• Daughter Cathy and husband Dr. Kevin Allen, Stillwater, OK
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Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: 

Misty Decker (Russell); William Graham (Tara); Ashley Graham-Collins (Matt); Cayla Duckett (Trent); Dr. Paige Reese (Jake); Connor Biehler; Caylene Allen; Shannon Willis (Johnny); and Bridgette Allen; a family she was incredibly proud of and loved fiercely.

Her joy multiplied even further through her great-grandchildren: 

McKenzie Decker; Michael and Alayna Graham; Marlee, Mallory, and Tyce Duckett; Wyatt Graham and Posey Jo Reese; Olivia Willis; each one a cherished piece of her heart.

She is also survived by her dear sister Alberta Fleming, and a large circle of nieces and nephews she loved deeply.

Joan’s family finds peace knowing she is now home in the arms of Jesus, reunited with her husband Dale, family, friends, and likely already organizing heaven’s next fellowship meal.