Mrs. Joy D. Kinder

As a young woman she trained as a hairdresser.

In her early life, she welcomed her son, Stephen, who was born in December 1961. A pivotal moment came in 1968 when she met her beloved current husband, Patrick. At the time, he was stationed with the United States Air Force (USAF) at RAF Croughton. Their courtship led them to a new life, and they moved to the United States in 1970. She and Patrick married in 1972, in Miami, Florida and settled in Homestead, Florida.

Following her move to Homestead, Joy soon discovered a passion for painting. She initially worked with oils, and pastels and later transitioned to using watercolors, quickly becoming an accomplished artist. Joy had a lifelong love for the arts of all kinds, including music and dancing.

Following a job promotion and the devastation of their home in Homestead, Florida during Hurricane Andrew, the family made the move to Woodstock, Georgia. They have proudly called Woodstock home for over 30 years.

In Woodstock, Joy was an active member of the Senior Center’s “Knit Wits” group, where she devoted over 20 years to hand-knitting hats for the homeless and for children battling cancer. Her kindness, creativity, and generosity touched countless lives through the warmth of her handmade gifts.

She embraced life with joy and enthusiasm. Enjoyed trips out to the beach and enjoying the outdoors and being in the sun. She was remembered as being kind, friendly, caring, and always looking her best.

One of Joy's accomplishments was her time as a debutante at the age of seventeen. She was nominated as one of forty contestants and went on to London to win The National Debutante Competition. She always took immense pride in her British heritage and was always delighted by anything British.

Also, while living in Homestead, Joy met her lifelong friend Carol White, whose daughter Amanda is her god daughter. And another lifelong friend Kandy Stack who was Joys bridesmaid, whose daughter Angela is her god daughter.

Joy is preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Edna Priest.

She is survived by her husband, Patrick Kinder; her son, Stephen Higgins, and his wife, Ursula; and their son, John Higgins. She is also survived by family members that include her dear 105-year-old Auntie Dorcas Tobin; her cousins, Colin Rawson and his wife, Christine Bemond, and Fred Dumbleton and his wife; her brother-in-law, Tom Kinder, and his wife, Alenda; her niece, Kristen Kennedy; and her nephew, Sean Kinder.

She is also survived by her lifelong friend, Carol White, and Carol’s daughter, Amanda Huntley, who is also Joy’s goddaughter. Kandy Stack, Joy’s bridesmaid, and Kandy’s daughter Angela, Joy’s goddaughter, also survive her.

A visitation will be held on December 16, 2025, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Woodstock Funeral Home, located at 8855 Main Street, Woodstock, Georgia.

Following the visitation, a memorial service is scheduled at 1:00 pm at the same location.

The committal will take place on December 16, 2025, at 3:00 pm at Georgia National Cemetery, located at 1080 Scott Hudgens Drive, Canton, Georgia.