Joan Elizabeth Sherwin

In Loving Memory of Joan Elizabeth Murphy Sherwin

Joan Elizabeth Murphy Sherwin, age 92, of Bushnell, Illinois, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, February 9, 2026. She was born on April 8, 1933, in Burlington, Iowa, to James Albert and Mayre (Long) Murphy.

Family

Joan was married to Proctor Austin Sherwin for eleven years. Together, they were blessed with three children. She is survived by her son, Proctor James Sherwin of Austin, Texas, and her daughter, Rebecca Sherwin Harrison of Louisburg, North Carolina. Joan was the proud grandmother of six: Jaclyn Harrison Patterson, Robert Gregory Harrison, Proctor Davis Sherwin, Laura Sherwin Slavin, Forest Marshall Sherwin, and Sarah Traweek Reid. Her legacy extends to twelve great-grandchildren, each of whom she cherished deeply.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Lydia Sherwin Traweek, and her brother Richard Murphy.

Education and Career

Joan completed her undergraduate studies at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. She dedicated many years to teaching English at both the junior and senior high school levels, touching the lives of countless students. Joan later continued her education at the University of Texas School of Law, earning her law degree in 1980. She worked as a city attorney in Lubbock, Texas, for two years before returning to Illinois in 1984 to assist her father in his later years. Joan went on to practice law for many years in both Macomb and Bushnell.

Passions and Legacy

While Joan was passionate about her legal career, her heart was always with her family's farm. She was deeply committed to sustainable farming, advocating for minimum tillage and other environmentally conscious practices. Her dedication to the land and to conservation was evident in her everyday life and work.

Services and Memorials

Cremation rites have been accorded. Graveside services will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Nature Conservancy.

Martin-Hollis Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Friends and family are invited to sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.martinhollisfh.com.