Mary "Joan" (Simmons) Reece, 92, Marion, passed away on Saturday, November 1, 2025 in Goshen, Indiana surrounded by her family.
She is survived by her three children; daughter, Catherine (Reece) Yoder and her husband, Craig Raymond Yoder; daughter, Virginia (Reece) Mansfield and her husband, John Thomas Mansfield; son, William Reece; six grandchildren, Tyler Craig Yoder, Patrick William Yoder (Elizabeth), Jared Reece Yoder, Aaron Joseph Yoder (Eleanor), Meghan Grace Mansfield, and Anna Brooke Mansfield and three great-grandchildren. Also survived by her sister-in-law, Betty (Reece) Kay; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Preceding her in death are her husband, Plenny "J.R." Reece; and her parents.
Born in Marion, Indiana on March 15, 1933, she was the daughter of Frank Simmons and Mary Catherine (Skinner) Simmons.
Joan is a graduate of Marion High School (Class of 1951), DePauw University, receiving her Bachelor of Music degree in 1955 and receiving her Master of Arts degree from Ball State University in 1964.
She was active in many community organizations. She was a member of Lyric Club, Marion Retired Teachers, United Society of Friends Women (USFW), University Women, Daughters of the American Revolution, Center Mastercraft Extension Homemakers Club, and was a 4-H leader. She was a lifetime member of First Friends Church and served on numerous committees. Along with her late husband, she played a vital role in building the church's current facility at 2211 N. Wabash Ave.
Music always played such an important role in her life. She was the organist at First Friends Church for over 60 years and directed the Handbell Choir. She taught music at Mississinewa Community Schools for 5 years and Marion Community Schools for 22 years. She played marimba, organ, piano, and virtually every string instrument along with being a great vocalist. Many of her private piano students went on to pursue careers in music. For 30 years, she was part of the Ave Maria Chorus for the Marion Easter Pageant.
The family will receive visitors from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, November 7, 2025, at First Friends Church, 2211 N. Wabash Ave., Marion, IN.
Joan's funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon with an additional visitation 1 hour prior to the service, from 11:00 am to 11:45 am, on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the church. Jeffrey Horsman will be officiating with burial following at Grant Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Marion Lyric Club Music Scholarship Fund, c/o Judy Owen, Treasurer 2115 Maplewood Dr., Marion, IN 46952 or First Friends Church in Marion.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN 46952.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
To send flowers to the family of Mary, please visit our floral store.