Joan was a lifelong resident of Decatur, IL, where she was born on January 3, 1932, to Darlene (nee Smith) Adams Neuling and Paul W. Adams. Joan graduated valedictorian of her Decatur High School class and attended Millikin University.
Joan was active in the Decatur community, volunteering in many capacities. She was an asset to any organization for which she served. These include St. Paul's Lutheran Church, DMH Auxiliary, DMH Steering Committee including Fun Fair and Race for the Cure, DMH Institutional Review Board, Millikin Alumni Board, Richland Community College Foundation, Symphony Orchestra Guild of Decatur, P.E.O. Sisterhood, Study Club, Decatur Area Arts Council, and Pi Beta Phi Sorority.
She was the recipient of many volunteerism and leadership awards. She was instrumental in setting up scholarships at the Lutheran School Association, Richland Community College, and Millikin University. She took great pleasure in supporting her community.
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