Joan Heiner Williams

July 5, 1943 - April 21, 2017

Joan Heiner Williams passed away surrounded by her family on April 21, 2017 due to complications of a brain aneurysm. Joan was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on July 5, 1943 to Daniel and Vera Heiner. She graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in English and was an active member of Delta Gamma. She married her sweetheart, Elgin Bradley Williams in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on June 30, 1967. Joan was the loving mother of three daughters and devoted her life to caring for their needs. Her children and family always came first. Joan was also a compassionate, hardworking teacher, who cared deeply for her students. She taught for 30 years at various schools, including 3rd and 4th grade at Lowell and Wasatch Elementary where she was loved by all and made a difference in so many children’s lives. She also taught writing at Utah Technical College, where most of the students were immigrants. She spent selfless hours, not only helping students with writing skills, but also befriending and helping them with their own personal challenges. Joan was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she served faithfully in many callings including a two year service mission in Kearns with her husband Elgin. Throughout her life, Joan was always looking for ways to serve and bless the lives of others. Countless people have been touched by her genuine concern and interest in their lives. Joan was an accomplished artist. She enjoyed drawing and working in oils, pastels and charcoal. Some of her other hobbies included reading, studying the scriptures and learning in general. Joan loved spending time with her family and grandchildren. She took the time to attend their different activities, write them personal notes and was always concerned with each one’s individual needs. Joan was a woman of great faith, tenderness and always had a smile and word of encouragement for everyone. We rejoice in the knowledge of the Resurrection and look forward to a glorious reunion with her. Joan is survived by her husband, Elgin, their three daughters: Stacy (Jim) Cassell, Andrea (Scott) Thompson, and Molly (Adrian) Porter and their nine grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Judith (Bruce) Thunell of Mendon, Utah and her brother, Dan (Anne) Heiner of Anchorage Alaska. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, April 28th at 12 noon at the Wasatch Stake Center, 8170 S. Short Hills Dr., SLC, UT. A viewing will be held on Thursday, April 27th from 6-8 pm and Friday, April 28th from 10-11:30 at the same location.