Joan Carroll Young, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on May 13, 2026, after a brief illness. She was born in Chicago on September 17, 1931, and later made Springfield, Missouri, her home after moving there in 1972.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, John (Diane) Young and Katie (Jay Lubarsky) Young; her grandchildren, Tessa (Nathan) Connors and Kimberly (Jack) Duckworth; and her great-grandchildren, Vivian and Benjamin Connors, and Henry and Joseph Duckworth.

Joan valued learning throughout her life, earning her bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University and a Master of Science from Emporia State University, and continuing education courses to further her education in all manner of skills.

Joan was involved in music from a young child through adulthood. She played cello through college, piano intermittently, and took up baritone ukulele as an adult. She also loved to sing, and was a member of the Ozarks Belles chapter of Sweet Adelines, and a longtime member of National Avenue Christian Church Choir. Joan loved plants of all sorts. Her house was full of light and plants, and her yard was beautifully landscaped with trees, flowers, and windchimes. She earned the title of Master Gardener, and volunteered to help maintain gardens and provide services in Greene County. Helping others and being useful was a theme throughout Joan’s life. She volunteered for several organizations, including Crosslines Community Outreach, various church organizations, and delivering meals and providing assistance to senior citizens in Springfield. Joan was passionate about books and reading throughout her life. She particularly enjoyed sharing that passion and encouraging young people to add reading to their lifelong journeys. After earning her Master’s degree in Library Science, she worked as a librarian for Strafford Schools from 1972 until her retirement in 1998. After retirement, she continued supporting her passion as an active member of the Springfield Friends of the Library organization, holding various positions within the organization and helping with sorting books weekly for the semi-annual book sales until shortly before her passing. But above all, Joan’s primary passion was her family, not only by blood, but also the family members that she collected along her journey through life. She loved the people from each stage of her life, hearing their stories, and sharing her stories with them. Every member of her extended family brought joy into her life, and we hope they all remember her with love and happiness.

Celebration of life will be held Friday, June 26, 2026 at 2:00 PM in National Avenue Christian Church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joan’s memory to Friends of the Library or Crosslines.