Joyce Ellen Shellabarger, 85, of Sullivan, passed away 8:41 a.m. Friday, December 13, 2024, at her home with her loved ones by her side.

Memorial services will be held 11:30 a.m. Monday, December 16, 2024, at the Sullivan First United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service Monday at the church. Memorials may be made to the Cunningham Children’s Home: 1301 N. Cunningham Ave, Urbana, IL 61802 or to the Sullivan United Women in Faith. McMullin-Young Funeral Home is care of the arrangements.

Joyce was born on January 8, 1939, in Urbana; the daughter of Stanton and Catherine (Buntain) Bonwell. She married Richard Shellabarger on June 17, 1962 in Champaign; he preceded her in death on February 10, 2018. Joyce was a member of the Sullivan First United Methodist Church, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Moultrie County 4H for many years. She was a Cub Scout leader and merit badge counselor. Joyce was a Sullivan Junior High teacher, a Sullivan girls basketball coach and an assistant track coach. She loved sewing, baking and traveling with her husband Richard. Joyce loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, Sherry Shellabarger of Georgetown, TX, Sondie (Eric) Epley of San Antonio, TX, Samantha Berner of Sullivan, Stan (Dutes) Shellabarger of Chicago, Susan (Wyatt) Hicks of Charlotte, NC, and Seth (Amy) Shellabarger of St. Louis, MO. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and 1 brother.