Joan Elizabeth Morey

JOAN MOREY

BRIGHTON - Joan Elizabeth Morey, 90, was called to Glory at 1:20 a.m., Friday, April 10, 2026, at Jerseyville Manor, surrounded by the love and legacy she so faithfully built throughout her life.

She was born on November 28, 1935, in Alton, Illinois, the daughter of the late Francis Nevil and Geneva May (Gottlob) Edelen. Joan lived a life defined by service, compassion, and an unwavering devotion to family. She was employed with Support Services for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, a role that reflected her natural calling to care for others. In addition, she spent many years waitressing, first at Lotteo’s in Alton and later at Spring Garden in Brighton, where her warm spirit and welcoming presence left a lasting impression on those she served. She also gave of her time as a volunteer with OSF St. Anthony’s Hospice, continuing her lifelong commitment to offering comfort and care to those in need.

While raising her family on a farm in Shipman, Joan fully embraced the rhythms and responsibilities of country life. She worked tirelessly alongside her family, raising cattle, hogs, and chickens, all while ensuring her home remained a place of love, stability, and support. Her capacity to nurture extended far beyond her immediate family. As a dedicated foster parent, she opened her heart and her home to more than 500 children over the years, offering them not only shelter, but a sense of belonging, safety, and unconditional love. It was one of the many ways she quietly changed the world.

Joan found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved music and could often be found dancing at the Alton VFW, enjoying the laughter and connection that came with it. She took pride in her flower gardens, tending to them with care and patience, embracing both the beauty and the hard work that came with them. Above all else, her family was her greatest joy. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and to those who knew her best, she was the heart of the family, a steady presence, a source of strength, and a woman whose kindness knew no bounds.

She is survived by her three children, Randi Steck of Jonesboro, Brad and Mary Morey of Bunker Hill, and Tracie Morey Bock and Lee Vahle of Jerseyville; a step-son, Jeff Morey of Ocean Springs, Mississippi; four grandchildren, Becky and Jeremy Wheaton of Jonesboro, Morgan and Eric Canania of Bunker Hill, Marcus and Bailey Morey of Bunker Hill, and Christopher Morey of Georgia; as well as seven great-grandchildren, all of whom were deeply loved and cherished.

She was preceded in death by her father, Francis Edelen; her mother and step-father, Geneva and Gus Fuller; a son, Ryan Edelen Morey in 1998; an infant granddaughter, Isabella Elizabeth Seets; an infant great-grandson, Brooks Cannania; two sisters, Mary Louise Corby and Gertrude Hedrick; two brothers, Donald Ralph Edelen and Frank Edelen; and a son-in-law, Bernie Steck.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m., Thursday. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Restore Network, in care of the funeral home.

Joan’s life was a testament to what it means to love deeply, give selflessly, and show up for others without hesitation. The lives she touched, the children she cared for, and the family she built will carry her legacy forward in the most meaningful way. She will be remembered not only for what she did, but for who she was, a truly beautiful soul, a natural nurturer, and a woman whose kindness shaped generations.

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