Joyce Mooberry

MORTON – Wilda Joyce Mooberry, 88, of Morton, Illinois, passed peacefully on February 21, 2026, in Morton.

Joyce was born in Peoria, Illinois, to Francis and Berniece (Patterson) Weygandt of East Peoria. She graduated from East Peoria Community High School and attended Illinois Central College.

Joyce and her beloved husband, Buford Mooberry, farmed in East Peoria for more than forty years, building a life grounded in faith, hard work, and devotion to family. They raised their sons, Randall and Dale, with steady guidance and quiet example. As their family grew, Joyce welcomed Andrea and Julie not simply as daughters-in-law, but as cherished members of the family, sharing her wisdom, her garden, her kitchen, and countless conversations marked by warmth and mutual affection.

A gifted pianist, Joyce taught private piano lessons for over thirty years. Many of her students learned more than music - they learned patience and joy. She continued to play beautifully until her final days.

Joyce was also a certified Master Gardener who organized and led garden tours in England, sharing her love of beauty and design. A lifelong reader, she was well known at the Morton Public Library and especially fond of British mystery novels.

She will be remembered most for her sunny disposition and steadfast kindness. Joyce had a gentle way of making people feel welcome and valued.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Buford; and her brother, William Weygandt.

She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Randy (Andrea) Mooberry of East Peoria and Dale (Julie) Mooberry of Morton; her grandchildren, Brandon Mooberry, Casey (Patrick) Brooks, Hope (Dan) Martin, Ethan (Allison) Mooberry, Margaret (Ehren) Ludwig, Caleb (Jessica) Mooberry, and Logan Mooberry; and her great-grandchildren, Warren and Norah Ludwig; Thomas Mooberry; Ben and Joseph Brooks; and Cooper and Nolan Martin, who brought her immense pride and joy. Another great-grandchild, a baby Ludwig, is expected in April. Joyce is also survived by her cousin, Elsie Traenkenschuh, as well as her two black cats, Smokie and Bandit.

Visitation will be held at Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home in Morton, on Friday, February 27, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Visitation will also be held at First United Methodist Church of East Peoria on Saturday, February 28, from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m., with funeral services immediately following at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be this spring at Roberts Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church of East Peoria, the Morton Community Foundation in support of the Morton Public Library, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Joyce's life was marked by family, music, gardens, and love - a legacy that will continue in the generations she cherished.

Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements.

To leave an online condolence for the family visit www.knappjohnson.com.