Joan Wilkes

Joan Keitha Wilkes, 83, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 11:12 am December 7, 2025 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon. She was born September 17, 1942 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to the late Vernon and Daisy Minter. Joan first married Robert "Bob" Blackford and he preceded her in death. She later married the love of her life, Robert Wilkes and he also preceded her in death.
Joan is survived by her sons, Greg Blackford and wife, Angie and Devin Wilkes, all of Mount Vernon; grandchildren, Clay Blackford and wife, Ashley, Logan Blackford and significant other, Katie Phillips, and Dylan Blackford and wife, Emily; great-grandchildren, Hayden and Parker Blackford; sister, Verna Locke and husband, Gary; nephews, Mike Locke and wife, Amanda and Marcus Locke; and niece, Jennifer Dobson and husband, Brad..
In addition to her parents and husbands, Joan was preceded in death by her stepmother, Jewel Minter, who raised her since infancy; and her infant brother.
Joan worked as a beautician for most of her life. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren. She was kind-hearted and generous to everyone. Joan will be dearly missed.
A Visitation will be held Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon. A Funeral Service will begin at 1:00 pm with Mr. James McKinzie officiating. Interment will follow at White County Memorial Garden in Carmi, Illinois. Memorials may be made in Joan's honor to the Alzheimer's Association.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.