JOYCE JENKINS WILLIAMS

1940 - 2021

JOYCE JENKINS WILLIAMS, 81, of Fort Wayne, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 22, 2021, after saying goodbye to her family at Parkview Hospital. She was born in Kansas City, Mo., in 1940 and raised in Paragould, Ark., by her parents, Isaac and Gladys Jenkins, who owned Jenkins Variety Store from 1941 to 1960. In her youth, Joyce worked at this local "dime store". Joyce attended the University of Arkansas and majored in Home Economics, where she met the love of her life, Dr. L.D. Williams, who moved her to Michigan State for both to finish their degrees. Joyce was a devoted mother and grandmother; in fact, her family has joked many times that she would have "fought a bear" to protect her children and grandchildren. Joyce held many leadership positions and received many honors throughout her life: from being Miss Green County in Arkansas to gaining a Master's Degree in Interior Design from Purdue Fort Wayne. Joyce had a vast array of hobbies, adventures, accomplishments and successes; however, when people asked her greatest achievement the answer was always the same: "my husband and my family are my greatest accomplishment." "Joyce never met a stranger, or anyone, she didn't like!" She enjoyed golfing, tennis and all activities with her children and grandchildren. Joyce is survived by her husband, Dr. L.D. Williams of Fort Wayne; three children, Dr. John Isaac Williams, Dr. Leamon Dale Williams Jr. and Judge Wendy Williams Davis; and grandchildren, Collin Parker Williams (27 years old), Georgia Lea Williams (25), Madison Nicole Davis (23), John Isaac Williams Jr. (22), Carter Reid Davis (21), Caleb Wesley Williams (19), Quentin Nathaniel Williams (18), Leamon Dale Williams III ("Trey" 17), Peyton Elizabeth Williams (16), and Jackson Thomas Davis ("J.T." 15). Joyce is also survived by her loving sister, Jean Jenkins Cox of Paragould, Ark.; and brother, Isaac Estel Jenkins of Little Rock, Ark. Joyce was truly a remarkable Christian woman that inspired her kids and grandkids to lead a successful life according to God's will. Funeral service is 11 a.m. Saturday, May 29, 2021, at The Chapel, 2505 W. Hamilton Road S, Fort Wayne, with calling one hour prior. Calling also from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 28, 2021, at The Chapel. Pastor Rick Hawks presiding. Joyce will be laid to rest at Lindenwood Cemetery, beside her grandson, who died at age 4, Grayson Mitchell Williams. For online condolences, visit mccombandsons.com