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Joan Floyd, 89, a spirited, compassionate, kind-hearted woman, passed away on Friday, December 8, 2023, after a long and stoic battle with deteriorating health. She died peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family and care partners. Joan was born September 4, 1934, in Bronxville, NY, to Richard Jordan and Edith (Joelson) Jordan. She spent her childhood basking in the attention of her beloved parents. Her Irish father charmed her with his masterful storytelling and her Swedish mother created a warm home with delicious family meals. She moved frequently as a child as her father’s jobs required. It was during a move to Texas that she met her future husband Glenn William Floyd. They married on Christmas Day in 1952 and eventually moved to Denton, TX where they raised their four children. Joan was a true original making her own way in life, never one to follow the crowd. She felt deeply for people and issues that mattered to her. Her strong moral compass guided her to do good in the world. She had a huge heart and gave her time and energy to those who needed it the most, the often-forgotten elderly, those struggling with mental health or personal challenges, and rescue animals that needed a caring home. Returning to college after her children were grown, she graduated with a master’s degree in social work from North Texas State University. She worked as a social director at the Vintage Nursing Home in Denton, planning outings for the residents to museums, parks, and area attractions. She also led memoir groups encouraging older people to share their personal stories and happy memories, as a way of making everyone feel seen, heard, and valued. A voracious reader, Joan almost always had a stack of books close by. She especially liked suspense novels with James Patterson being a favorite author. Joan encouraged her grandchildren and great grandchildren to read books and would give them classics, such as “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," “Heidi,” “Wind in the Willows,” and “Little Women” as gifts. Joan was an animal lover and over the years she had many dogs, cats, and horses. Her most recent dog companions, Bella and Georgia, never strayed far from her bedside in her final years. An avid adventurer, she and her husband took a few “bucket list” trips over the years. Highlights included an Alaskan cruise, a windjammer sailing trip on the East coast, and trips to Ireland and England. But her most cherished destination was her family’s mountain cabin in Green Mountain Falls, CO. It was a favorite spot for her and her family over the years. And the one place she yearned to travel back to visit. The mountain vistas and clean fresh air recharged her spirits and gave her some of her happiest and most lasting memories. As her health declined, she was cared for by a dedicated team of family members and caregivers who supported and encouraged her. Whether it was talking with everyone about their daily activities, enjoying a special homemade meal, or sitting together and watching a classic movie, they lifted her spirits and brought joy into her life. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 67 years, Glenn Floyd, and dearly beloved children, Jason Floyd and Suzanne Floyd. Joan is survived by her son, Richard Floyd and wife, Michelle; daughter Carol Massey and husband, Cleve; grandchildren Jessica Messman and husband Randy, Sam Floyd and Ben Floyd; great grandchildren Tristan Schimmel, Taylor Schimmel, Ava Messman and Ella Messman; brother Jim Jordan; niece Cassie Jordan; nephew Richard Jordan; and other extended family members. A private family memorial and graveside service is being planned. Online condolences may be shared at www.slaymemorialfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Brad Shotts and Slay Memorial Funeral Center.

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Joan Floyd

September 4, 1934 - December 8, 2023