Martha "Joan" Gossett, age 87 of Maryville, IL, born on August 24, 1936, in West Lebanon, IN, passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, IL with her family by her side.

Joan worked at Eastern Illinois University in various capacities. She was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Charleston, IL. Joan was also one of the founders of the Charleston Trojan Booster Club. She was a loud and fanatical sports fan, earning the name "Mama Goose" from her children and grandchildren's teammates. She was the biggest cheerleader for the team and was known well by the referees.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Ernest and Thelma (nee Allen) Banning; son, Tommy Gossett; daughter and son-in-law, Diane and Doug Voth; brother, John Banning; and twin siblings who died in infancy: Evert and Theresa Banning.

She is survived by her son, Jeff (Terri) Gossett of Fort Worth, TX; two daughters: Debby (Mark) Esarey of Charleston, IL and Denise (Stephen) Gallitin of Maryville, IL; 15 grandchildren: Tyler Voth, Alexis Gossett, Adam Voth, Joey Taylor, Natalie Gossett, Jared Gossett, Sadie Evans, Savannah Meers, Valerie Gossett, Brock Esarey, Bradley Minor, Matthew Minor, Emily Gallatin, Megan Gallatin, and Rachel Gallatin; seven great-grandchildren: Hutch and Mary Hayes Voth, Georgia and Callahan Taylor, Harvey and Milah Evans, and Clay Meers; three brothers: Charles Banning, Gordan Banning, and Jerry Banning; sister, Patricia Youman; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at The Fields Church, 2360 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL.  Lunch will be served at the church. Private burial at West Lebanon Cemetery in West Lebanon, IN.

Memorials are suggested to Charleston Trojans Booster Club and may be mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home 2800 North Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.