Joyce Darlene Carter Whitfield Cook, age 86, of Clay City, Illinois, passed away Friday morning, November 29, 2024, at Clay County Hospital in Flora.

      She was born September 7, 1938, in Flora, the daughter of Harry Woodrow and Violet Elmeta (Hamilton) Wheeler.  Joyce married Joe Carter in 1957, and he passed away in 1984.  She later married Bill Whitfield on October 18, 1986, and he passed away August 12, 2005.  On June 6, 2009, Joyce married David Cook, and he preceded her in passing on January 8, 2010.

      Joyce enjoyed spending time with her family, crafting, fishing, camping, and dancing. She adored her dog, Penny, and had attended Transformation Church of God in Clay City.

      She is survived by 2 sons: David Carter of Clay City and Jimmy (Carolyn) Carter of Xenia; 4 grandchildren: Leslie Carter (Mick Spitzner) of Clay City, Nikki (J.C.) Masters of Flora, Blake Workman of Fairfield, and Dakota McGee of Flora; 6 great-grandchildren: Dakota and Carter Spitzner, and Brayden, River, Briar, and Branch Masters; bonus daughter: Lisa Carter of Clay City; 2 sisters: Linda Kay Dulaney of Flora and Barbara Strange of Clay City; and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in passing by her parents; her husbands; her son, Larry Carter; and her brother, Lester Wheeler.

      A funeral ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. Thursday, December 5, 2024, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Brother Rodney Payne officiating.  Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery.  A visitation will be held from 1 until 2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com