Ms. Joy L. Thompson

Joy L. Thompson was the only child born to the union of Charles Robinson Sawyer and Mary Belle Jones Sawyer on July 11, 1933, in Kansas City, KS. Both of her parents and her half-sister, Barbara Bly, her son Garry, and her daughter Brenda preceded her in death. A graduate of Sumner High School Class of 1951, Joy would become the first female bass fiddle player in the school’s orchestra from her sophomore to her senior year. In 1951, she was among the first Black students to integrate what was then known as the Kansas City Junior College. She was later employed by the Internal Revenue Services for 31 years, retiring on October 1, 1993. On June 7, 1953, Joy was united in marriage to James B. Willians, Sr. that marriage was later dissolved. After a long and loving relationship, Joy married a man that she had admired for many years, and on April 26, 2003, she was united in matrimony to Maceo V. Thompson, Sr. Joy accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at the age of eight at the New Hope Baptist Church, Rosedale, KS. She was previously a member of the Pleasant Green Baptist Church, Kansas City, KS, and the Mount Carmel Baptist Church. Joy united with the St. Stephen Baptist Church in December 1953, under the pastorate of the late Dr. John W. Williams. She remained faithful in her service until she was no longer able. While at St. Stephen, Joy served in many areas of ministry. She served as Bible Leader of Miriam Circle, a member of the Senior Service Ministry, Secretary for the committee for the church’s first history book, “Symbols of God’s Grace” under the leadership of the late Dr. John W. Williams and the late Thelma Dumas, and who could ever forget her beautiful voice leading songs and bring rich harmony to the Inspirational and Mass Choirs. Joy was able to travel and sing in various places with the choir and was lead vocalist on the song “He’s Sweet I Know” on the Inspirational Choir’s album “We Are on Our Way.” Joy also participated in the church’s bowling league that was started by the late Dr. Mac Charles Jones. Joy was an exceptional domino player and loved bowling. Her passion and gift for singing was not only shared at St. Stephen. Joy sang in the choirs of each church she attended. She, along with the late Jean Haskin, was a member of the Mello-Ettes. She sang with them for 38 years until the group disbanded after 65 years. On September 5, 2024, Joy was called from labor to reward. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, and friend who leaves to cherish her memory three sons, James Williams (Carole); Karl Williams; and Keith Williams; her daughter, Karen Hauck (Robert); fifteen grandchildren: Quincy Williams (Kim); Lashaun McGee (Lee); Garry Johnson (Gina); Stacy Breakfield (Broderick); Antranise Williams; Shauntay Thornton; Shayla Thornton; Andre Williams; Amber Williams; Sharnay Hall (Keandre); Summer Thornton; Ivory Williams; Kourtnee Williams; Marchelle Williams; and Keith A. Williams, Jr.; twenty-two great grandchildren; and a host of great-grandchildren; and great-great grandchildren. She also leaves one niece, Paula Hoskins (Willie); a family friend, Phyllis Rose; and a host of other relatives and friends. An angel touched her, and she slept. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at Watkins Heritage Chapel 4000 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd. KCMO 64130. Interment: Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation: 10-11:00 A.M. at the Chapel. Arrangements entrusted to Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapels. Condolence may be shared on our website lawrenceajones.com.

Ms. Joy L. Thompson

July 11, 1933 - September 5, 2024