1937-2026
J. Joan Wiggins Swyers Goodknight was born on February 23, 1937, in Independence, Kansas. She passed away peacefully on November 15, 2025, after complication with dementia and rheumatoid arthritis.
She is preceded in death by: Father: George S. Wiggins, mother: Maxine (Lawrence) Wiggins, brother: Larry S. Wiggins, stepsister: Elizebeth “Betty” Dancer, stepfather: Harry Wallace Forline, step nephew: Jeffrey Dancer, and step great granddaughter: Madee Martinez.
She is survived by: Survivors include her sons: Curtis A. Swyers (Janice) - San Antonio, TX, Steven E. Swyers (Lesa) - Austin, TX, Andrew J. Swyers - San Antonio, TX.
Her grandchildren: Dr. Kendra (Robert) Serna, Caleb (Jeanette) Swyers, Kyle (Meaghan) Swyers, Deven (Michelle) Swyers, Haylee (Grant) Grazier, and Ray (Cheyanne) Swyers.
Her great-grandchildren: Kinzlee, Cayson, Cooper, and Chloe Swyers, and Hudson Grazier.
Her stepson: Charles “Hoss” Goodknight (Adrienne) and stepdaughter Rhonda Goodknight.
Her step grandchildren: Hollee (Carlos) Martinez, Dane (Amber) Fornash, Austin, Wyatt and Jackson Goodknight, Alexander, Nash and Margeaux Naifeh.
Her step great grandchildren: Matthew, Macee, and Madden Martinez; Aiden Fornash, Aiden and Damein Swyers.
Additional survivors are Deanna Alderman, Bob Alderman, Bill (Tina) Swyers, Margaret Swyers, Craig (Linda) Dancer and her many nieces and nephews.
Jerry Joan Wiggins was born February 23, 1937, in Independence, Kansas to George S. Wiggins and Maxine (Lawrence) Wiggins. She graduated from Independence High School and from the University of Kansas with an Elementary Education Degree in child development. She was a proud member of Tri Delta sisterhood.
In May 1958, she married John L. Swyers of Independence, Kansas. In November 1999, she married Charles A. Goodknight of Independence, Kansas, until his death in August 2015.
Joan Wiggins started her life journey as an Elementary School Teacher in 1958, teaching 3rd graders in Wisconsin. In the early 1960’s, she lived at Scott Air Force Base and moved to Topeka Kansas and Omaha, Nebraska as her husband practiced law. In 1972, the Swyers’ family moved to San Antonio, Texas.
While living in San Antonio, Texas, she was a loving and dedicated wife, homemaker and mother. She found herself enjoying her three sons’ school activities or athletic events. She attended countless football, basketball, and baseball games. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church(Colonial Hills) and the Parents Teacher Associations (PTA), were she served in several leadership positions. She also enjoyed helping the volunteer organization Meals on Wheels for Seniors.
While living in Independence, Kansas, she was a loving and supportive wife to her second husband. In her later years, she developed some strong working relationships with her business associates on her small Agri-business operation. She was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church and helped setup a Memorial Endowment and Scholarship with Kansas State University Foundation in honor of her dad’s (Captain George S. Wiggins) service in the United States Army and his playing days at KSU. She also contributed to the several local community foundations and projects.
Joan Wiggins enjoyed sewing, arts and crafts and was a master cook and gardener. She became an avid bowler and loved to spend time with her bowling team members. When possible, she liked to travel to diverse cultures. Visiting Vancouver, British Columbia, London, England, and Mexico City, Mexico. Golf and ice skating became her choice to watch and relax. She cherished each relationship throughout her life, and dearly loved her family, neighbors, community, and business associates.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, August 6, 2026 at Lyons Municipal Cemetery, Lyons, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to the First Presbyterian Church – 201 S. 5thStreet (P.O Box 612), Independence, Kansas or Tri Delta Foundation – Theta Omega Housing Fund (Kansas) at Tri Delta – 14951 Dallas Parkway, Suite 500, Dallas, TX 75254 -6893 or Rice Community Healthcare Foundation (for the Swing Bed Unit) in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons.
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