Bylle Joy (Watkins) Beaty

Bylle Joy (Watkins) Beaty, 97 of Divernon passed away Thursday, September 17, 2026 at the home of her daughter, surrounded by family.

Joy, the daughter of William and Marie (Nagra) Watkins, was born September 1, 1929 in Divernon.

Joy married Everett Dale Beaty on June 26, 1948 in Divernon.  She was a member of Divernon First United Presbyterian Church where she served as an Elder for many years.  She graduated Divernon High School.  After raising her children, Bill, Gail and Karen, she went on to work for the Divernon Variety Store and then the Illinois Department of Transportation. Joy was an avid Cubs and Fighting Illini fan and so enjoyed having lunch and playing cards with her friends.  She may be remembered being seen walking her dog to the Post Office every day and stopping by the bank where the dog always got a treat.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son-in-law, Greg Ramey, great-grandson, RJ Gruber, and sister-in-law, Pat Watkins.

She is survived by one brother, Don Watkins; one son, William Dale (Nancy) Beaty, Sr.; two daughters, Gail (Bob) Hedges and Karen Ramey; seven grandchildren, William Dale Beaty, Jr., Brandon (Sonya) Hedges, Stacey (Erik) Haworth, Amanda Gruber, Derek (Lori) Hedges, Travis Boyer and Kendra (Andrew) Klootwyk; twelve great-grandchildren, William Dale Beaty, III, Zachary Beaty, Emily (Garrett) Fanning, Cambrey Hedges, Kayla Gruber, Sam Haworth, Drew Haworth, Caroline Gruber, Adley Klootwyk, Morgan Klootwyk, Dylan Hedges and Macy Campbell; one great-great grandson, Lucas Beaty; a nephew and several nieces and cousins.

Joy requested that no funeral be held.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Private graveside services will be held in Virden Cemetery, Virden IL.

Memorials may be made in Joy’s name to the Divernon Fire Department or Divernon First United Presbyterian Church.

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