Joyce (Chris) was born in Wauchula, FL on September 27 1940, into a long line (7 at least) of native Floridians.

Her parents, Willi Underhill and Thelma (Hill) Underhill, are deceased.

The family moved to Sarasota county in the early 1950s and were living on the DD Ranch when Chris graduated from Sarasota High and was married.

On September 20, 1958 Chris married her high school sweetheart, Jesse Williford.

And after Jess's US Navy active duty tour, returned to Sarasota / Venice areas.

Chris retired from driving a school bus for Sarasota County in 2002, after 31 years total service.

Those years were spent raising her children and Jess, transporting Special Needs Students and volunteering with Special Olympics. To most students she was "School bus Driver Chris", and that nickname was fine with her.

In the early years of Special Olympics in Sarasota Co, Chris was active in signing volunteer bus drivers for out of town trips.  She was later chosen for membership in Sarasota Special Olympics Hall Of Fame.

After retiring from driving, Chris, along with Jess, founded J&J Will-Care, Inc. Providing Supported Living Services and Transportation for more than 50 special needs adults and employing many caregivers for14yrs.

A student who was very special to Chris was Janis Palmer. She continued to care for Janis (and parents Merle, Ruffie and Aunt Nancy) until their passing. Janis passed on September 18, 2023.

Chris was a faithful Christian and a member of Harvest Chapel of Venice, where she was a constant 'helper' on the cleaning and kitchen crews and most happy serving our Lord Jesus Christ.

Her favorite things, outside of church, to do for enjoyment was yard work, large family gatherings and eating out with her children, grandsons, great grandson– in which she insisted on paying,accepting no arguments to the contrary!

Surviving family members include: Jess (husband), 3 children,1 daughter in law, 3 grandsons, I grand daughter in law, and one great grandson, 2 brothers, 4 sister in laws, and many nieces and nephews and their families. All too numerous to name here, so please don't feel slighted! And all of her family in Christ.

On Resurrection Morning, 4:30am March 31 2024,  Chris was carried by Angels into the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ! We all love Chris and miss her greatly!

From the NKJV:

2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

Romans 10:9    that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10:13    For " whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved ."

In Christ Grace and Love

Until we see her again

Jess

Celebration Of Life

April 28 ^th 2024

4:00pm

Harvest Chapel Of Venice, Fl

101 Cortina Blvd

Venice, Fl   34285    Office (941)786-1482