Joy Elaine Carter, 76, of Wilton, passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 13, at the United Methodist Church of Wilton. A memorial visitation will be held from 9–11 a.m., prior to the service at the church. Private family burial will take place in Oakdale Cemetery, Wilton. Memorials may be made to the United Methodist Church of Wilton. Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com.
Joy was born on Aug. 8, 1949, to LeRoy and Marian (Broecker) Carlson in St. Paul. She graduated from Stillwater High School with the Class of 1967. She continued her education at the University of Minnesota, earning her bachelor’s degree in music education in 1971. Her passion for learning and music led her to further her studies at the University of Iowa, where she earned her master’s degree in music in 1979. On June 8, 1973, Joy was united in marriage to William Carter in Stillwater, Minn. Together they built a life centered on faith, music and family.
Joy devoted 39 years to teaching elementary music at Durant Community School, inspiring generations of students through her passion for music. She was a devoted member of the United Methodist Church of Wilton, where she faithfully served for over 40 years as the church pianist and choir director. Her musical talents blessed countless worship services, weddings and funerals. She generously accompanied many students for music contests and shared her love of music through her involvement with Sunday School Worship Time and Praise Band.
Above all, the most important part of Joy’s life was her family, cherishing every moment spent with them. She brought delight to her grandsons through prizes shared during visits and added special magic to the holidays. Joy will be remembered for her kindness, her unwavering faith, and her dedication to music.
Joy will be dearly missed by her husband, William; two children, Carolyn (Ezekiel) Gwi of St. Paul, Minn., and Alex (Kylie Kolz) Carter of Des Moines; two grandchildren, Gideon and Nico Gwi; one brother, Glenn (Leslie) Carlson of Isanti, Minn.; her aunt, Yvonne Conroy; and one cousin, Julie (Van) Fayler.
Joy was preceded in death by her parents, LeRoy and Marian Carlson.
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