Joy Lynn Courtwright

Joy Lynn Courtwright, 60, passed away on October 23, 2023.

She was born to James and Jeanette (Grey) Courtwright on October 29, 1962 in Kansas City, Kansas.

Joy moved from her family home to Lakemary Center in Paola, KS, to receive specialized education. She lived there until she was 18, and then moved to AbleLight and stayed in their residential housing program on their main campus in Lenexa. In 1995, she moved to Gardner 2 Group Home and resided in Gardner until her passing.

While living in these various group homes, she learned essential skills for every day life. Joy worked with Johnson County Developmental Services where she did many different jobs, such as working in manufacturing and handwork assembly. She was very attentive to her work, always making sure that she followed instructions, paid attention to detail, and produced high-quality goods.

In her free time, Joy enjoyed watching movies and was proud of her large collection of DVDs. She was excited to receive a new DVD every month from her brother, Steven. Joy loved to go to different restaurants with Steven, and with her group home as well. Joy looked forward to her frequent phone calls with her sister, Jill, who lives out of state. On Fridays, Joy and her friends at Group Home 2 were rewarded with a special trip to QuikTrip, which Joy was always very eager to go on. Joy was also a member of King of Kings Lutheran Church in Gardner.

Joy’s one true love was animals, especially dogs. Her calm and nurturing heart made animals (and people) drawn to her as well.

She is preceded in death by her mother and father. Joy is survived by her step-mother Karen Courtwright; siblings Steven (Sherri) Courtwright and Jill (Gerald) Campbell; and niece and nephews Megan Barkwell, Cole Courtwright, Brandon Campbell, and Tyler Campbell. She will be missed by her extended family and her many friends, coworkers and caretakers.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 2, 2023 from 9:30 to 10:30 am, with a funeral service beginning at 10:30 am. Both will be held at the Amos Family Funeral Home in Shawnee, KS. She will be laid to rest at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Kansas City, KS, following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the AbleLight Foundation .