Joyce Mae Williams

Joyce Mae Williams, born June 19, 1940, in Hustisford, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025, at the age of 85 in Madison, Wisconsin. Joyce is the daughter of Clarence and Gladys (Randorf) Wentland.

In 1953, Joyce took great pride in her participation in the Million Penny March. A remarkable community effort initiated by the students at Arbor Vitae-Woodruff School. Their efforts captured national attention where 1.7 million pennies were collected to help build the Lakeland Memorial Hospital in Woodruff, Wi.

A graduate of Bellin Nursing, Joyce dedicated her life to compassionate care, serving as a nurse at UW Hospitals and volunteering at Madison Area Technical College, where she supported the health and vitality of student athletes in baseball, cross-country, and track and field.

Joyce’s heart belonged to her family. She shared nearly 60 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Frederick T. “Coach” Williams, until his passing in 2023. Together, they nurtured their sons, Mark (Heidi) and Scot (Teresa), and grandson, Brett, with boundless love and devotion.

For the last eight years, Joyce resided at Capitol Lakes Retirement Center in Madison, where her warmth and kindness continued to inspire those around her.

She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers Donald & Jim and brother-in-law Reginald Williams.

There will be a visitation held on Tuesday, July 22 at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Rd., from 10 am until the time of service at 11:30 am. Interment Forest Hill Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Thursday’s Child, P.O. Box 95, Mt. Hope, WI 53816, or online at https://thursdayschildwisconsin.org/. 

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

608-238-3434