Joy Leann Markey

Peacefully and surrounded by her family, it is with profound sadness to announce the passing of Joy Leann (McClure) Markey on February 14, 2025, at her home in Colchester, Illinois after a lengthy illness at the age of 67 years.
Joy was born on May 31, 1957, to Mervin and Lenore (Myers) McClure at the Phelps Hospital in Macomb, Illinois. She presided most of her life in McDonough County, Tennessee and Colchester respectfully. She was united in marriage June 21, 1986, to Terry Markey at the Methodist Church in Colchester, Illinois.
Joy will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 39 years, Terry; twin sister, Janis Hocker (Raymond) of Colchester, Illinois. Nieces; Elly Wear (Brian) Fennell of Indianapolis, Indiana and Emmy Wear of Williamsfield, Illinois, as well as numerous extended family members, friends and co-workers, a very special Aunt; Blanche Wolfe of Macomb, Illinois, and a special mother in law: Kathleen Markey, Colchester, Illinois, along with numerous brother in laws, sister in laws and their wives.
Joy was predeceased by her parents, Mervin and Lenore McClure, Paternal grandparents, Ray L. and Forest N. (Hysel) Myers, half-sister, Regina )Myers) Wear of East Peoria, Illinois and nephew, Greg Wear of Peoria, Illinois. Also very dear paternal, aunt and uncle, Hazel (McClure) (Frank) Willis, Mesa, Arizona, maternal aunts, Dorothy (Myers) Woolf of Houston, Texas, Great-great aunt and uncle, Joy (Hysel) (Irel B) Wright of Macomb, Illinois.
Joy graduated from Colchester Jr-Sr High School in 1975 and went on to attend Robert Morris College in Carthage, Illinois with a certification in Dental Assisting. Upon graduation, she proceeded to work in Keokuk, Iowa and Quincy, Illinois for several years returning to Robert Morris College in Carthage, Illinois as a Dental Assisting Instructor for several years. After the college closed, she attended Illinois Central College in East Peoria obtaining an associates degree in Dental Hygiene. Upon graduation she worked for many years for a dentist in Rushville, Illinois and lastly for Max Rodeffer, DMD in Hamilton, Illinois until her illness. She truly took pride and enjoyment in her professional skills as a hygienist and as a true testimonial to the many patients she served throughout the years.
Affiliations that she participated in was a member of the American Dental Hygienist Association, Member of the Women's Auxillary for Veterans of Foreign Wars in Macomb, Illinois, a Certified Basic Life Support Instructor, and a woman of faith. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in which she taught bible school during her youth.
Joy was a perfectionist in all of her endeavors, kind, sensitive to others needs, generous, compassionate, and above all a fun loving people person whose bubbly personality and beautiful smile will be missed by all that knew her. She had a great time traveling to Florida and Mexico, enjoying the ocean and beaches. She loved her fur babies, three shelties, Shelli, rescue dogs, Angel and Meme and her latest, and Australian Shepherd named, Gabby. She wanted to make sure she will be alright after she is gone. She also had to cats named, Hope and Blackie which she loved. Lastly, Joy took great pride in caring for her parents. She took care of her mother in her home till her mother passed. She made sure her mothers hair was done every week and she made it a purpose to take her out to eat at least once a week. She made the holidays special for both parents and family.
True to her nature, she loved her shoes. She would often say the best part was her feet. She was extremely particular in regards to her hair getting it done at least once a week. She loved reading, nature walks with her dogs and husband out to Argyle Lake, music, golfing, working out at the YMCA in Macomb, Illinois and buying baby gifts for her nieces, nephews and co workers children. She would joke that her next job would be gift wrapping during the holidays at a department store. Most of all she enjoyed spending time at home with her husband, dog and family.
As per her wishes, there will be no funeral of visitation. Cremation Rites have been accorded. A day of remembrance where friends and family can sign the register book is Friday, February 21, 2025, from 8:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. at the Jones Funeral Chapel in Colcheter. Her ashes will be scattered at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to McDonough District Hospital Hospice, 527 east Grant street, Macomb, Illinois, 61455 or McDonough County Humane Society, 101 east Tower Road, Macomb, Illinois, 61455
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Joy Leann (McClure) Markey, please visit our floral store.