Joy Maxine Carlson, age 95, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2025, after a life richly lived in service and kindness.
Born on a farm on April 24, 1929, in Brookston, she was the daughter of Russell and Edna Morehouse. She graduated from Brookston High School and then completed her nursing degree at Home Hospital School of Nursing in Lafayette in 1950. On June 18, 1950, she married Neal Carlson. He preceded her in death on April 2, 2017.
Joy worked at Murphy Medical Center in various areas. She then chose to work for Dr. Thomas Keough, cardiologist and internist, so she could have regular hours with her family. To continue her calling of nursing and serving, Joy and a small group of nurses started Kosciusko Home Health Care and Hospice and Well Baby Clinic.
Joy was a beacon of light and hope in our community touching many lives through her involvement and leadership with Salvation Army Auxiliary, the County Extension Club, Girl Scout Leader, PEO, Exchange Student Coordinator and many others. She was awarded the Warsaw Woman of the Year in 1978.
Joy’s Christian faith was shown in how she loved and included others regardless of age, ethnicity and economic status. She was a member of First United Methodist Church since 1955.
Joy had a generous spirit by giving of her time and talents. She was a servant leader with kindness, courage and genuine interest in those around her. She touched and encouraged others with her positive outlook and forward way of thinking. It was important to her to make her home, community and world a place of love and acceptance.
Traveling with Neal and close friends was one of her many passions. They participated in 40 elder-hostel programs. Joy was an avid reader and lifelong learner. Being a devoted fan of the Purdue Boilermakers, she rarely missed a game. Her family was the joy of her life and she cherished time with them. Two exchange students from Finland and Brazil were part of her family.
She is survived by her children: Sue (Max) Mock, Warsaw; Jon (Susan) Carlson, San Antonio, Texas; Jim (Missy) Carlson, Mooresville, N.C.; grandchildren: Carmen (Justin) Elliott, Warsaw; Evan Mock, San Diego, Calif.; Brent (Ashley) Mock, Warsaw; Nick (Stephanie) Huntington, Seattle, Wash.; Taylor Carlson, New York, N.Y.; Hannah Carlson, Mooresville, N.C.; Mia Carlson, Mooresville, N.C.; and great-grandchildren: Carrie Elliott, Emily Elliott, Edie Mock, Julian Mock, Ethan Huntington and Lydia Huntington. She was preceded in death by her husband, Neal; and daughter, JoAnn.
Joy’s life will be celebrated with a memorial service at First United Methodist Church, 179 S. Indiana St., Warsaw, at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, March 31 with Pastors Brian Smith and Ken Locke officiating. Friends and family may visit prior to the service in the church from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Joy’s family will have her laid to rest next to her husband, Neal, in the Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 179 S. Indiana St., Warsaw, IN 46580; Stillwater Hospice P.O. Box 1196, Warsaw, IN 46581-1196; or Salvation Army of Kosciusko County, P.O. Box 1257, Warsaw, IN 46581-1257.
McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw, is assisting the family with arrangements.
To sign the guestbook or send a condolence to the family, please visit www.mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com.