Joan Wilson, 86, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2021 surrounded by family. She was a published poet and writer of children's stories. Joan also enjoyed a lifelong love of animals and championed many efforts on behalf of animal rights organizations. Joan's love of family was an inspiration. She was a fiercely devoted Wife, Mother, Daughter, Lala, Aunt, Sister and Friend. 

Preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Nick Wilson; son Jeff Wilson; parents Glen and Florence Vess.  Joan is survived by daughters Tracey (John) Denne of Leawood Kansas; Kelley Vess of Overland Park Kansas; Pam Morris of Mukilteto Washington; son Steve (Judi) Hill of Falmouth Kentucky; grandchildren Hannah Denne of Kansas City Missouri; Parker Denne of Leawood Kansas; brother Mike (Rhonda) Vess of Wichita; sisters in law Paula (John) McKenzie of Wichita, Linda Mourer of Cherokee Village Arkansas, Jan Newman of Cherokee Village Arkansas; brother in law Kip (Anita) Wilson of San Antonio Texas and many loving nieces, nephews and friends. 

A Private Memorial Service will be held at a future date.  In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) or the Alzheimer's Association.