Joan B. Nickerson, age 84, a resident of Freeport, IL, died Wednesday, February 17, 2016, at Presence St. Joseph Center in Freeport, IL. She was born June 23, 1931 in Geneva, IL to Earl and Sylvia Ball.

Joan grew up in Wheaton where as a young teen she worked in her dad's grocery store. There she used her God given gift of listening. She loved interacting with those in the community. Joan graduated from Wheaton Community High School. In Sept. 1950 she married her high school sweetheart, Alden L. Nickerson. They together went on to Moody Bible Institute, graduating in 1955. Her love for God was strong and she desired to be used by him. Joan became a secretary at Youth for Christ headquarters. The gift of listening and wise counsel continued as she interacted with her co-workers, like a "mom" to some. God then used Joan's gift of art to move her into a position as Art Director for Christianity Today. The same gifts used in the work place carried into her home as God brought many young people who needed the warmth and love of a "mother". Retiring proved to be difficult for Joan as she did not have the same kind of interaction with people as she had for so many years. As God moved her to Colorado and then Oregon he brought new adventures and new people. Later, having been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, it then became time to move back home where she could be ministered to by family. Joan lived her life well for her Lord.

She is survived by her daughter, Patricia (Dan) Tillotson of Wheaton, IL; her grandchildren, Sarah (Patrick), Kristen (Ben), Collin (Natalie), and Alyssa (Bill); six great-grandchildren, Jacob and Myles, Charlie, and Trinity, Catherine and Sean; sister, Carol Nickerson; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 65 years; and a grandson.

A visitation will be held on Monday, February 22, 2016 from 12:00 p.m. until the start of a funeral service starting at 2:00 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., in Wheaton, IL. Interment will follow at Wheaton Cemetery in Wheaton, IL.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Moody Bible Institute , 820 N. LaSalle Blvd., Chicago, IL 60610.