Joan Williams was an extraordinary woman! She was an especially gifted educational leader who touched countless lives along her journey of life. She was an excellent cook and she loved to read, instilling this virtue in all her children and many of her descendants. Joan was a friend to many people. She kept her friendships for countless years. Joan was there for people who needed that special person in their lives, to help them get through whatever trials they experienced. There was never a Christmas or Easter dinner her children can remember without her having extra friends at the table, who needed someplace to go where they mattered. She was one of the most giving and kind people who existed, always concerned for those around her. She overcame great odds from poverty as a young single mother with three children left by a husband, to raise them and put herself through the university, ultimately reaching the pinnacle of professional success. Congress Members and Senators, CEO’s, and Superintendents, and many others called her for educational business and education advice.

Joan Schroer Williams was born Aug. 14, 1930 and died Jan. 19, 2020 at 89 years of age. Joan lived most of her life in her home at Lake Tapawingo, outside of Kansas City, Missouri, where she raised her family. She was the former Executive Director of Pan Educational Institute, which she founded. She also worked for the IRS and was a consultant for the National Fire Academy. She loved the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals and held season tickets. It is no accident she went to heaven on the very day her Chiefs won the long-awaited victory for the AFL Championship, to go to the Superbowl. We are sure she had something to do with it. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert, and two sons, Patrick and Michael Williams. Joan moved to Florida in 2014, to be near her daughter PJ (and Joe) Petrillo, and especially her granddaughters Gabrielle Petrillo (and Ben) Pomales, Ashley Petrillo (and Josh) McCarthy, and her great granddaughters Giavanna and Milania McCarthy. She has extended family, grandchildren Brian, Caden, and Hayleigh Williams (son Patrick), Brittany and Dakota Williams (son Michael), and other stepchildren, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and extended relatives. Joan was deeply beloved and revered by her family and friends. She will be missed by all, especially her sweet friends in the park – Country Place.