Joy Joan Brannon, age 69 of Diamond, Illinois, formerly of Morris, Illinois, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 peacefully at her home.

Born September 23, 1956 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, Joy was a daughter of Theodore and Elvera (Jacobucci) Schmidt. She was raised and educated in Homewood Floorsmoor where she graduated from high school and then completed cosmetology school. Beyond cosmetology school, Joy gained employment with Hollywood Casino where she worked for many years as a blackjack dealer. She married David Brannon at the First Baptist Church in Wilmington, Illinois on July 24, 1987, and together they raised their family in Morris until moving to Diamond.

After retiring from Hollywood Casino, Joy poured her heart into her family, embracing every moment she could spend with them. Her greatest happiness came from being with her grandchildren, loving them deeply, delighting in their laughter, and helping care for them while creating treasured memories they will carry with them always. She was also a devoted and tender caregiver to her late husband for many years, standing faithfully by his side with steadfast love, gentle compassion, and unwavering selflessness. Joy found happiness in the simple pleasures of life, whether tending to her garden or baking in her kitchen. A wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she cherished every moment spent with her family and was blessed to watch her family tree blossom through generations. As the steady matriarch of her family, she nurtured those she loved with warmth, kindness, and generosity, leaving an enduring legacy that will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

Survivors include her children: Kelly (Mike) Olson of Bloomington, Illinois, Amanda (Jeff) Pritchett of Richland, North Carolina, Sarah (Josh) Schroeder of Minooka, Illinois, Jennika (Justin) Buggar of Clinton, Illinois, Jeff David Brannon of Bradenton, Florida, and Davina Lawson of Manchester, Tennessee; thirteen grandchildren: Maia and Ella Olson of Bloomington, Austin, Samuel and Hannah Pritchett of Richlands; Grayson, Lucy, and Evelyn Schroeder of Minooka, Brannon McCue and Carson Buggar of Clinton, and Austin Brannon, Christian Coulson, and Tommy Lawson of Manchester; and five great grandchildren: brothers and sisters: Vivian (Richard) Stehr of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Eric (June) Schmidt of Beecher, Illinois, Eve (Joe) Russell of Peotone, Illinois, Doris (Mark) Baumgartner of Peotone, Illinois, and Spencer (Sue) Schmidt of Midlothian, Illinois; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and her best friend, Terri McCue of Coal City, Illinois.

Joy was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, David Brannon.

Per Joy's wishes, cremation rites are being accorded.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway Street, in Coal City on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Memorial services will follow in the funeral home on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 10:30 a.m., and inurnment will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois, where Joy will be laid to rest with her husband.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Joy’s memorial page online through social media.

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-634-2125)