Joy Winter

Donna Joy Winter, lovingly known as Joy, age 82, of Shelbyville, IL passed away peacefully in the early evening of Friday, June 19, 2026 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Willow Breeze Hospice House, surrounded by the love of her family.
Joy was born June 10, 1944 in rural Oconee, IL to Holley “Wayne” Smart & Vera Smart. She grew up alongside her siblings Mervin, Melvin, Garold, Bill, Kenny, Larry, Helen, June and Carolyn. She later made Shelbyville her lifelong home, where she built a life centered around family, faith, and the simple joys she cherished most. She graduated from Pana High School.
Joy worked for many years at International Paper, where she was known for her strong work ethic and dedication.
She was married to Curt Winter, and together they welcomed three sons: Jeff, Jason, and Matt Winter, who remained the pride of her life.
Above all else, Joy treasured her family. She found great joy in raising her boys and took immense pride in watching her family grow through generations of grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom she loved deeply.
Joy had a deep appreciation for nature and beauty. She loved gardening and became well known for the beautiful flower beds surrounding her home, earning recognition for the care and creativity she poured into them. She loved songbirds, enjoyed painting, and especially loved creating hand-painted birdhouses.
She also loved attending live country music performances and treasured the many opportunities she had to watch her brothers perform over the years. She cherished the lifelong friendship she shared with Connie Kessler, and together the two were often lovingly described as “Thelma and Louise” by those who knew them best.
A woman of faith, Joy was a devoted member of Wesley Chapel, where she found comfort and community throughout her life.
Those who knew Joy will remember her for her quiet strength, gentle spirit, and kind heart. She had a special tenderness for babies and animals, and a contagious laugh that brought warmth and joy to those around her. Though life was not always easy, she faced each season in her own way, while continuing to show love to the people who were fortunate enough to know her.
Joy is survived by her sons, Jason Winter and wife Tara and Matt Winter; grandchildren: Kaleb Yancey and wife Melanie, Kassandra Robertson and husband Rodney, Jeff Winter and wife Lindsay, Jessica Winter and partner Zack, and Lucas Winter; and great grandchildren: Skylar Robertson, Rodney Robertson, Bentley Johnson, Aurora Yancey, Graceson Yancey, Barrett Yancey, Eleanor Winter and Genevieve Winter. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Jeffery Winter; her parents, Holley “Wayne” Smart and Vera Smart; sister, June; brothers: Mervin, Melvin, and Bill; and Shelley Floyd, longtime companion of her son Matt. Joy also held close the family Shelley brought into her life, including Daniel Kennedy, Greg Kennedy, and Jack Kennedy, while remembering Daniel Kennedy, Jr., who also preceded her in death.
Joy leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, faith, creativity and devotion to family. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.
Funeral services for Joy will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home with Pastor Linda Trent officiating. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery, Shelbyville. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until service time in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association in honor of Joy’s memory and in loving remembrance of her son, Jeff, who preceded her in death.
McCracken-Dean Funeral Home who is assisting the family.