Elizabeth “Liz” Ann Joplin, 81, formerly of Virden, Illinois, passed away Friday, July 3, 2026, at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, Illinois, surrounded by many of her family.

Liz was born June 24, 1945, in Virden, the daughter of the late Lawrence “Ram” and Violet “Cotton” (Evans) Griffith. She married Wayne “Jake” Joplin II on July 27, 1984. Wayne preceded her in death in 2011. He served as mayor of Virden prior to his passing, and Liz continued that commitment to public service, serving several years as an alderwoman for the City of Virden.

She was also preceded in death by her siblings: Lawrence “Junker” Griffith, David “Davey” Griffith, Alice Girdler, Danny Griffith, and Ida Beane.

Over the years, Liz worked in several roles and industries. She was employed as a coal miner and later worked for Illini Technology and Fiat-Allis, both in Springfield, Illinois. For a time, she served as the event coordinator at Sunrise Manor in Virden, where she organized activities and programs for residents. Her final position was serving as an elementary paraprofessional at North Mac Middle School in Girard, a role she valued and approached with dedication. Liz worked hard throughout her life to support her children, often under challenging circumstances, and she approached those responsibilities with determination and quiet strength.

Liz was also a deacon in her church, a responsibility she carried with sincerity and a steady sense of service.

Liz treasured the time she spent with her sisters Alice and Ida. The three of them were close friends as well as siblings, and they spent countless days shopping together and enjoying one another’s company. Those shared outings were among Liz’s happiest times and remain cherished memories for her family.

Liz and Wayne created many traditions for their family. They hosted large Easter egg hunts for their grandchildren, turning the holiday into a full-family event that everyone looked forward to. They also shared many Fourth of July celebrations, with Wayne’s enthusiasm for fireworks and Liz’s well-known dislike of the noise becoming a familiar and good-natured contrast. Their grandchildren loved watching the two of them in these moments, small pieces of family life that reflected the home and memories they built together.

Liz often shared her dry sense of humor with those close to her. Years ago, while at church singing hymns, she asked a friend of hers for a favor. Asking that, at her funeral, he stand and say what a lovely singing voice she’d had — fully aware she could not sing, but enjoying the thought of the smile it might bring. In time, she chose not to have a formal funeral, opting instead for a private family graveside burial following cremation. Her lightheartedness, even in difficult conversations, is one of the many ways she will be remembered.

Surviving are her brother, DuWayne “Porky” (Vicky) Griffith of Virden; and her children: Tami (Rob Nelson) Brumfield of Thayer; Nancy (Terry) Kelly of Virden; Susie (Richard) Boston of Albany, Illinois; and John Elliott of Palmyra. Liz is also survived by seven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to the staff of OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home for the care and compassion shown to Liz in her final days. Arrangements were handled by Affordable Funeral & Cremation Services, 20 Valley Forge Road, Washington, Illinois.