Carl Richard Joliff's Obituary
Carl Richard Joliff, 90, of Decatur, Illinois, passed away Monday morning, April 6, 2026, at Decatur Memorial Hospital, with family by his side.
He was born on November 4, 1935, in Edgewood, Illinois, a son of the late John Wesley Joliff and the late Lola Marie (Myers) Joliff. Out of the four children born to this farming family, he was their third child. Life took a hard turn when his thirteen-year-old sister, Nelda, died while saving him from drowning. Caring for people and helping them to know about Jesus became his passion. After High School he went to and graduated from Lincoln Bible Institute. His first church as a Minister was at Keenes, Illinois.
In 1960, he married the love of his life, Vennetta Elaine (Richards) Joliff. In 1962, he and a few other men who wanted to establish a Christian based nursing care environment, founded Christian Homes, Inc. In 1965, they opened the doors to the first Christian Nursing Home in Lincoln, Illinois. During the following years, he and his family moved around several times to minister and to start new Christian Churches. For a few years, he also worked as a Nursing Home Administrator.
In 1974, he left the ministry to put down roots in Decatur, Illinois. Although he was no longer a minister, he became a very active member of his church, Mound Road Christian Church. To support his family, he worked in maintenance for Carson Pirie Scott, Forsyth, Illinois until that store closed. He then went to work for and retired from the Decatur School District. His primary focus was at John's Hill and Mound Middle School as part of their maintenance team.
Carl's interests included his antique 1952 Chevy, working on various remodel projects, mowing, strawberry milkshakes and cheering for the Illini. Carl was a sweet and caring man who did not know a stranger. He always loved to share interesting trivia or a joke or two. There were many days spent helping with his kid’s vehicles, various moves, building projects and babysitting. He loved spending time with his grandkids going to their sports events or dance recitals, watching them on their power wheels or in the sand box and giving them lawn mower rides.
He was very blessed with his faith, and his family finds comfort in knowing that he is watching over them from Heaven above. Carl was an amazing, strong and loving man who leaves a permanent mark on the hearts of everyone who knew him - especially his family.
He will be sorely missed by his children, Beverly (John) Evitt, John (Diana) Joliff, and Paul Joliff. He was a very proud grandpa of Alicia, Amanda (Matt), Luke (Taylor), Kelsey (Teddy), Chelzee and John Henry. GG Papa, as they called him, enjoyed hearing about the antics and accomplishments of his great grandchildren, Roman, Aaliyah, Jasper, Madison, Savannah, Margot, Louise and Penny. He would have also loved hearing about his soon-to-be new great grandson. Carl will also be sadly missed by many nieces, nephews, friends and the staff of The Loft Rehabilitation of Decatur.
He was preceded in death by his beautiful wife of 65 years - Vennetta, his father - John, his mother - Lola, brother - Cylde, and sisters - Nelda and Ruth.
A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held for Carl at 10:30 am on Saturday, May 16,2026 at Edgewood Christian Church in Edgewood, Illinois. He will have a graveside service immediately following at the Edgewood Cemetery.
Memorial - "In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still, in our hearts you hold a place no one could ever fill." -author unknown
Obituary written by Carl's loving family.
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