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In memory of

Joan Thomas Brakefield

Lake Forest, IL, USA

June 9, 1936 - November 6, 2020

Jun 9, 1936 - Nov 6, 2020

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Joan Katherine Thomas Brakefield, a long-time resident of Lake Forest, IL, and most recently of Genoa City, WI, went home to be with her Savior on Friday Nov. 06, 2020 at the age of 84.

Born and raised in Lafayette, LA, she adored her parents and enjoyed wonderful friendships and a close-knit extended family. Her youth was filled with family, church, music, southern cooking, and social engagements such as formal teas and Mardi Gras celebrations. She graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas where she was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority.

A devoted wife and mother, she balanced raising her three daughters with her passion for volunteer work, sharing her many gifts and skills with churches, hospitals, schools, and other non-profit organizations. She was very involved with the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest, where she loved playing handbells, singing in the church choir, and being a deacon. She found great joy singing as a member of the Chicago Master Singers, working with the Daughters of the American Revolution, serving on the boards of both the Lake Forest Symphony and the Ars Viva Symphony, traveling the world, and spending time with family and friends. Most recently she enjoyed fellowship and friendship with the Grace Anglican Church community of Libertyville. She cherished her family and friends and was deeply loved by many.

She is survived by her three daughters (Karen Binder of Naperville IL, Linda Spellman of Glendale CA, and Elyse Clark of Grayslake IL), six grandchildren, ( Eric Binder, Lauren Binder, and Tyler (Lexi) Binder all of Naperville IL, Natalia Travis (Jason) of Slidell LA, Kyle Clark of Grayslake IL, and Matt Clark of Lisle IL), and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Woodsworth Brakefield, originally from St. Petersburg FL, and her parents, George Herbert Thomas and Katherine Florence Porter Thomas of Lafayette LA.

We will carry her memory in our hearts, always.

A virtual memorial service will be held at a future date.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

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