Joy Ann Winder

Joy Ann (Watkins) Winder, born August 4, 1938 in Kansas City, Kansas, died peacefully at Shawnee Gardens Nursing Center on July 6, 2024 at the age of nearly 86. She was preceded in death by her baby daughter of 1-hour Sheri LeaAnn Winder, her sister Janet Lee (Watkins) Laird, her ex-husband Lacel “Curly” Winder, and her parents Dorothy Lee (Pine) Watkins and George Clifford Watkins.

Joy was a 1956 graduate of Wyandotte High School, Kansas City, Kansas. She briefly attended William Jewell College. She enjoyed a long career at St. Luke’s Hospital in their IT Department as a Data Security Analyst.

Joy attended First Baptist Church of Shawnee, Shawnee, KS, which is located next to Herman E. Laird Park. The park was named after her sister Janet’s father-in-law, in honor of his work as a Johnson County Parks Board Commissioner. Herman E. Laird was also a deacon and trustee for 44 years at First Baptist Church of Shawnee and performed many weddings there, including Joy’s niece, Lonna (Laird) and Ray Whiteaker.

Joy’s love of Jesus was a very important part of her life. After she retired from St. Luke’s Hospital, she became a Missionary. She worked for Wycliffe Bible Translators in Belgium, Europe for 2 years and Niamey, Niger, Africa for 8 years. 

Joy returned to her home church, First Baptist Church of Shawnee, where she helped with Children’s Vacation Bible Schools and attended Bible Studies. She loved to sing at Church. Her hobby throughout the year was to crochet hat/scarf sets. She would donate over 300 sets to those who attended the Church’s Trunk-or-Treat Parking Lot Event every Halloween.

Joy had a group of special friends she enjoyed meeting with at McDonald’s for breakfast nearly every day. She received many McDonald’s gift cards for her Birthday and Christmas because her family knew her breakfasts there with her friends were a daily delight for her.

Joy is survived by her brother-in-law Larry Lee Laird, his two daughters Lonna Laird Whiteaker (husband Ray) and Lynnette Laird Norcross and her son Nathan William Norcross, his wife Elizabeth, and their daughter Grace Avaleigh Norcross. She is also survived by several great uncles, great nieces/nephews, and second cousins. Joy has many church friends who will miss her dearly. 

Joy will be cremated and a Celebration of Life Service will be held at First Baptist Church of Shawnee on Saturday, July 20th, 2024 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joy’s honor to First Baptist Church of Shawnee, 11400 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS 66203.