LaJoy B. Downs
LaJoy B. Downs  (nee Beck), 89, died Feb. 26, 2015.

She was born Nov. 28, 1925, in Pinckneyville, to the late Edward F. and Bertha Beck (nee Meyer), the youngest of four daughters.

In 1950, she married Earl D. Downs of St. John’s. By 1959, they moved their family to Waterloo, to the home in which they lived until LaJoy passed into paradise.

The family is thankful they were all able to care for her at home for the duration of her illness.

Throughout the years of her life, LaJoy was a cherished daughter, wife, mother and friend. She had a music career and a vocation as a piano teacher, church organist and sometime (reluctant) choir director.

She was an avid reader, a fanatical gardener and a beautiful singer, all interests she nurtured in her children, who share her curiosity, her love of nature’s beauty and her absolute conviction that music is one of God’s greatest gifts to humankind.

One of her favorite projects was working on the acquisition of a pipe organ at Immanuel Lutheran Church, which was dedicated to the worship of the Lord on May 5, 1985.

LaJoy is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Earl; her four children, Michael (Carol) Downs, Stephanie Brandt, Julie Downs, and Lisa (Richard) Thibeault; five grandchildren, Joshua (Lindsi) Downs, Erik (Ellen) Brandt, Adam (Jess) Brandt, Megan Brandt, and Paul Thibeault; and one great granddaughter, Emelia Brandt; as well as several nieces and nephews  whom she loved.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her father-in-law Othel “Fritz” Downs; her three sisters and their husbands, Virginia (Lee) Lyons, RubyLee (BF) Reynolds (Marion) Graskewicz, and Marie (Earl/“Red”) Crain; and her niece and goddaughter Cindy (nee Crain) Szarek.

A memorial service will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo, on Saturday, May 16 at 10 a.m. The Reverand Antonin Troup, pastor of Immanuel, will be joined by Reverend Robert C. Preece, former pastor of Immanuel, for this service commending LaJoy to the Lord through song and praise as a life well-lived is celebrates.

LaJoy supported numerous charities; memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois, Immanuel Lutheran Music Program, Doctors Without Borders and The Heifer Project.