Joleen Lynn Dunavin, 46, died Nov. 24th, 2021 with her mother and husband by her side.
She was born in Billings, Montana and graduated from Byron High School in Byron (Class of '93). After dominating high school sports, Joleen was awarded a full ride scholarship and went on to briefly run track for DePaul University in Chicago. Finding her calling elsewhere, she joined the United States Air Force, where she continued her sports endeavors and also met her one-of a kind husband, Patrick. It was no surprise to anyone that her military career would be filled with many achievements. Her career included several amazing duty stations such as Germany, Texas, Alaska, Hawaii, and California. She also went on 2 deployments and was awarded an F-16 incentive flight (she didn't puke!). Among so many accomplishments, she also earned her master's degree and served for 26 years, having just celebrated her retirement as a CMSgt. Joleen loved her military life, she truly bled blue.
Family was so important to Joleen. Any moment she could spend with her family was her happy place. She also loved running and her organized Air Force PT sessions came to be her favorite. She was a traveler and adventurer, always bringing her family along. Joleen made sure everyone else's cup was always full, making her decisions with such selfless intention. She was a lighthouse of true inspiration, leadership and greatness to all whom she encountered. She made our lives better. Joleen will be so incredibly missed by so many.
Joleen is survived by her husband, Patrick Dunavin; her parents and spouses Karla and Jeff Fuller, Michael and Putri Carter; Her brother Anthony Carter; Her sisters and spouses Jennifer and Patrick Lee; Michele and Dallas Wrasse; and her little loves, her nephew and nieces Conner and Chloe Lee, and Payton Wrasse; as well as several other very close family and friends.
Memorial services were held at Honquest Funeral home located at 4311 N Mulford Rd, Loves Park, IL on Saturday, Dec. 4th, 2021, beginning with a visitation from 10 a.m.-noon, followed by a funeral service at noon. The family also invited anyone wishing to celebrate Joleen's Life and share a story or two to stop in between the hours of 4-7 p.m. at Prairie Street Brewery in Rockford.
