Joan Vera Perkins' Obituary
Joan Vera “Nanny” Perkins, 95, passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025, in Decatur, IL.
She was born in Macon County on March 1, 1930, to the late Alfred Sablotny and Vera Hollingsworth Sablotny. While Joan was an only child, she grew up with her cousins Dale, Del, Jackie, and Donna Hunt, who were like brothers and sisters. She lived a busy life, every moment full between family, church, work, and her various hobbies.
Joan and her husband owned and operated Soy Capital Electric, where she took care of all administrative work. The pair also ran Jo-D Stable, where they bred and trained Tennessee Walking Horses. Additionally, she took her love for children and turned it into a high-risk daycare center that she ran for many years.
The Lord was at the forefront of Joan’s life. She was a nearly lifelong member of The Foursquare Church in Decatur, where she participated in every activity she could squeeze into her schedule. Over the years she did everything from being a Choir Mother to teaching Sunday School.
She was a dedicated mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, helping to raise three generations of her family. Joan will be remembered by them all for her independent attitude, caring heart, and fancy sensibilities.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Clarence “Bob” Perkins, and son, Rickie Dale Perkins.
Those left to cherish her memory include: son, Barry Perkins and wife Vickie; daughter, Sherie Perkins; daughter-in-law, Judy Perkins; grandchildren, Rob Perkins and wife Lisa, Jenny Tripp and husband Tom, Angela Shelton and husband Paul, Bobbie Lozano and husband Ed, Daniel Mehr and wife Destiny, Nick Mehr, and Helen Perkins; and great-grandchildren, Abigail Perkins, Brianna Tripp, Eric and Jess Shelton, Isabella and Sophia Lozano, Vincent, Cashtin, and Gracelyn Mehr.
Special thanks to Townsquare Hospice for the care and support they provided to Joan and her family during a difficult time.
Visitation for Joan Perkins will be held from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Funeral service will begin at 1:00 PM officiated by Pastor Austin Hemmen, with entombment in the Star of Hope Mausoleum to follow.
“For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” I Corinthians 13:12
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