Joyce E. Woods, 70, of Fort Scott, Kansas passed away on May 17th from health complications.  Her two sons were with her at the time she left to be with her Lord and Savior.

Joyce was born on April 6, 1953, to Rachel Maxine Wright Woods in Fort Scott, KS.  After graduating from FSHS in 1971, she studied at Fort Scott Community College followed by Pittsburg State University where she obtained her B.S. and M.S. degrees in education.  After graduation she began her teaching career in USD 234 in Fort Scott.  She was a kindergarten teacher for 29 years where she had an everlasting impact on many students she had taught throughout the years.  She received many teaching awards throughout her career.

What made her the happiest and most proud were her two sons Ryan and Jordan.  Ryan, a retired Army Veteran and currently working in IT, also gave her a granddaughter in 2005, Elyana Ryan Woods.  Jordan, who followed in her footsteps in Education, is a teacher and a coach in Pittsburg.  She loved to brag about her boys to anyone willing to listen even if they were not willing.

Being the God Fearing woman that she was, Joyce loved to praise and worship with everyone she came in contact with.  She loved to share her love of God with people by reciting bible verses, praying, having bible studies, singing, and loving the way that Jesus did.  Everyone that she came in contact with, she made sure to show her way of loving them, usually with a treat or some gift.

Lastly, Joyce would want to be remembered by her humor she brought into any and all situations, contagious laugh, and her love for ALL of God’s people.

Joyce was preceded in death by her mother, Rachel M. Woods, JoAnne Fewell (sister), Gerald L. Woods (brother), Marvin R. Woods (brother), Marita Eileen Woods (sister), Mickie E Brown (sister), and many friends and loved ones.

She is survived by her two sons Ryan of Kansas City and Jordan of Pittsburg, granddaughter Elyana, nieces, nephews, and many other loved ones.

A visitation will be at Konantz-Cheney in Fort Scott on May 23rd, from 6-7 p.m. and a Celebration of Life service May 24th at Community Christian Church at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, per Joyce’s request, the family will accept monetary donations that will go towards a memorial scholarship fund for educators.  Memorial Donations may be sent to, or left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas   66701