JoAnn Keller

Verna JoAnn Houghlan Keller, age 94, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Union County Hospital in Anna, Illinois.

JoAnn was born on February 26, 1932, in Illinois to John Elmer Houghlan and Verna May Edmonds Houghlan, who preceded her in death.

On October 9, 1954, she married the love of her life, James Keller, in Alcorn County, Mississippi who preceded her in death on May 29, 2012. Together they built a home where faith, love, laughter, and family were the foundation of everything.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Denise Pippins and her husband, Don; James “Jimmy” Keller and his wife, Norine; and Diana Alley and her husband, Jacob.

She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Jake Alley (Charlene), Natalie Shasteen (Zach Mileur), Josh Alley (Ashley), Lindsey Pippins, and James “Bub” Keller (Shelby). Her greatest joys continued to multiply through her beloved great-grandchildren: Titus Pippins, Grace Pippins, Micah Pippins, Addyson Alley, Hayes Alley, Shaelyn Keller, Beran Keller, Hattie Keller, Keller Mileur and Madeleine Mileur.

JoAnn’s love for her family extended far beyond her immediate family. She treasured her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews as if they were her own children. She celebrated their accomplishments, carried their burdens, prayed faithfully for each of them, and made sure they always knew they were deeply loved.

In addition to her husband and parents, JoAnn was preceded in death by all six siblings: Hattie Houghlan, John Houghlan (Jetta), Dorothy Henard, Helen Anderson (Bob), Rachel Dodson, Doris Davis (Chuck); her more like a sister than niece, Pat Chamness and husband Robert Chamness; sister in law, Pat Abernathy. Brother in law Larry (Brenda) Keller survives.

JoAnn devoted much of her life to serving the residents of Mulberry Manor. To many, they were clients. To JoAnn, they were family. She made it her mission to ensure each person knew they were loved, valued, and cared for. She rarely walked through the doors without a roll of quarters tucked away, ready to brighten someone’s day with a soda. It wasn’t the quarters that mattered, it was the love behind every gesture. Those she cared for loved her just as deeply as she loved them.

Above all else, JoAnn loved Jesus Christ. Her faith wasn’t simply something she believed—it was the foundation upon which she built her entire life. When her children were growing up, every evening ended the same way: the family gathered together to read the Bible before bed. Participation wasn’t optional, and that included any friends who happened to be spending the night. She believed there was no greater gift she could give than a foundation of faith.

In more recent years, bedtime remained one of her favorite moments of the day. Whether at home or on one of the many family trips, everyone present gathered around her bed, joined hands, and prayed together. JoAnn always made sure to assign who would begin and which direction the prayers would go. There was never a night when she failed to thank God for her family and for the country she loved so dearly.

JoAnn was a true patriot who deeply loved the United States of America. She was grateful every day for the freedoms she enjoyed and never missed an opportunity to express that gratitude.

Her legacy is not found only in the life she lived, but in the faith, she passed on, the family she cherished, the countless lives she touched through simple acts of kindness, and the unwavering example she set of loving God first and loving people well.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., at the Harvest Church in Anna with the funeral service beginning at 2:00 p.m. Her son, James “Jimmy” Keller, will officiate the service. Interment will follow at Casper Cemetery. JoAnn loved her country so dearly, the family invites everyone attending to honor her memory by wearing red, white, or blue.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Harvest Church for the NextGen Building, reflecting JoAnn’s lifelong passion for children’s and youth ministry. Envelopes will be available at the church and the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home. JoAnn's family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Cerny and the staff at Union County Deaconess Hospital for their compassionate end of life care. 

While her family grieves the loss of her earthly presence, they rejoice knowing she has heard the words she longed for all her life: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”