Joan Wiley

Nellis Joan Wiley, of Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at her home. She was born on January 7, 1929, in Centralia, Illinois, to the late Earl Anderson “Joe” Carpenter and Ettie Muriel “Merle” Carpenter (Telford).

Joan was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Paul Wiley, whom she married on October 2, 1948, in Iuka, MS; her brothers Earl Gene Carpenter and Edgar Neil Carpenter; and her sister Eileen Hawkins.

She is survived by her loving children Sheryl J. Parsons (and the late Thomas Parsons), James P. Wiley (Susie), Candice J. Bennie (and the late Andrew Bennie), Lori J. Wiley, and Jeffrey B. Wiley (Wendy). She is also survived by her siblings Carroll Victor Carpenter, Larry Carpenter, and Dolly Lindsey.

Her legacy continues through her grandchildren — Kelli Parsons, Brian Parsons, Shayne Buchwald-Nichols, Richard Buchwald, Michelle Gillem, Tamara Fique, Angela Birkmire, James P. Wiley, Jordan Z. Wiley, Jessica Swidowich, and Breanne Wiley — along with many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren who will cherish her memory.

A proud graduate of Centralia High School (Class of 1947), Joan began her career as a dental hygienist, caring for others with the same patience and precision that would later define her artistry. Her creative spirit soon led her to follow her true passion — the world of ceramics and dollmaking. What began as a hobby blossomed into two beloved businesses, Joann’s Ceramics and Just Dolls by JoAn, in Catonsville, Maryland. Through them, she shared her talent, her imagination, and her joy with countless others.

Joan’s hands were rarely still. She poured her heart into sewing, needlepoint, cross-stitch, ceramics, and dollmaking, crafting beautiful pieces that reflected the love and care she put into everything she did. She found happiness in simple pleasures — a good book, a well-played ballgame, and cheering on her favorite teams, the Baltimore Orioles and Baltimore Ravens.

Those who knew Joan will remember her kindness, humor, and unshakable strength. She had a way of making everyone feel valued and loved, and her laughter could fill a room. Her creativity and compassion live on in the family she cherished and the many lives she touched.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Parkinson Research; https://www.parkinson.org/advancing-research.