Joy Layuna Wagley

Joy Layuna Wagley, age 76, of Herrin, passed away at 10:03 PM on Friday, October 17, 2025 at Herrin Hospital.
Joy was born Wednesday, February 2, 1949 in, a daughter Louis and Mildred (Reams) Gossage. She married the love of her life, Rusty Leon Wagley in Herrin on December 02, 1967. He preceded her in death on July 16, 2021. Together, they shared fifty-three years of marriage and precious memories. Her love for Rusty remained strong even after his passing.
Joy, a devoted mother, grandmother, and pillar of her faith, leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and dedication. Her strong faith was rooted in her membership at West Monroe Apostolic Church and Cambria First Apostolic Church, where she enjoyed volunteering and serving others. She also found great inspiration through Spark Ministries of McClure.
Joy's passions were multifaceted - she delighted in shopping on Temu, baking for her grandchildren, listening to Christian music, and reading her Bible. Spending quality time with her family was her greatest joy.
Her downtime was filled with favorite TV shows, particularly westerns like Yellowstone and 1883. She also loved having her fingernails done and feeling beautiful. She learned the enjoyment of a good drink, especially Prickly Pear, a recent discovery that brought her delight.
Joy's love for life was matched only by her love for her family and friends. She was a devoted fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and would often be found cheering them on. Her sense of humor could catch you off guard, and her selflessness inspired those around her to care for others above themselves.
Above all, Joy's faith in the Lord was unwavering. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, and her legacy of love, kindness, and devotion will continue to inspire those who loved her.
She is survived by her step-father- Don Hernbeck of Marion; children- Shawn Wagley and wife Patty of Herrin, Louis Wagley Sr. and wife Rachel of Herrin, and Rusty Wagley, Jr. of Herrin; daughter-in-law- Tracy Wagley of Grand Tower; grandchildren- Shawna and Aaron, Tori and Dylan, Louis Jr. and Jennifer, Destinee and Alex, Dalton and Jessica, Hunter and Amiyah, Jade and Braxton, Jesse, Juniper, Austin, Jesse and Amber, Jorie and Ian, and Daisy and Brendon; great grandchildren- Kennedy, Evelynn Joy, Lilyann Mae, Remy, Daylon, Jakyia, Madysyn, Savanna, Roman, Keagan, Lily, Jack, Xzavyer, Deacan, Braxzten, Adalynn, Marshall, Tru, Layuna, Cleo, Braxton, Aden, Ella-Rae, Benny J, Miles, Avery, Arlo, and Cleo; sister- Gay and Gary Fak of Cape Girardeau; step-sister- Pam and Bobby Underwood; step-sister- Paulette Dirden of Herrin; cousin (grew up like sisters)- Judy Bailey of Herrin; and a host of extended family members she adored.
She is preceded in death by her mother, father, husband- Rusty Leon Wagley, and two great grandsons- Oliver J. Hampton and Dillon Miller.
A time of visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM on Friday, October 24, 2025 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin.
Funeral services will begin at 1:00 PM on Friday, October 24, 2025 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin with Rev. Don Colson and Pastor Zach Cox officiating. Burial will follow at Herrin City Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved Rusty.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family. Envelopes will be available and accepted at the services or by mail to: Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home; Post Office Box 429; Herrin, IL 62948.
Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin is honored to serve the family. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.johnsonhughes.com or call 618-942-3102 for more information.
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