IN MEMORIAM: Joan Lenore Kingsley,

81, Head of SUNY Women’s Athletics

ONEONTA – Joan Lenore Kingsley, a nationally ranked tennis player and the former chair of SUNY Oneonta’s Department of Health and Physical Education, died Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016, in San Antonio, Texas, where she resided.

Joan was born on Jan. 31, 1934, in New York.  She was raised in Bronxville, and attended Bronxville High School. She obtained a B.S. degree in physical education and health, along with a M.S. and Ph.D. in physical education from New York University.

She later obtained another M.S. degree in counseling from SUNY Oneonta.

Joan started her career as a physical education teacher at Walton Central School in Walton, teaching girl’s physical education and coaching interscholastic sports. In 1963 she became a faculty member at SUNY Oneonta. She taught numerous health courses and coached the university varsity teams such as, field hockey, basketball, softball and fencing.

In 1969, Joan was named the director of Women’s Athletics at SUNY and in 1975 she was named the chairperson of the Department of Health and Physical Education, the first woman in New York State to hold that position.  She was the director of Women’s Coaching Clinics and Workshops, was a highly regarded speaker on athletic issues.

She was also the director of Creative Movement Workshops, which offered an innovative approach to self-expression and self-understanding through movement. Joan was also a strong advocate for women’s rights and lectured nationally on women’s issues. 

While in Oneonta she founded the Klipnockie Field Hockey Association and served as its president for several years. Joan played field hockey and was on national and US Mid-East touring teams playing the halfback position. In 1967 she was an All-Star Selection.

 Joan retired from the university in 1991.

She had a love of adventure and a zest for life. She competed in field hockey, kayaking, golf and softball tournaments. She loved hiking and exploring new places. She had a passion for animals and raised cats, dogs and exotic birds.

Joan and her life partner, Bonnye Bond, moved to San Antonio, in 1993.

She was a member of the United States Tennis Association, Windcrest Tennis Club, and the National Senior Women’s Tennis Association. She was a highly ranked national player in each age group in which she competed.

Joan was a member of Coker United Methodist Church serving as a Stephen Minister and was active in the adult Sunday school program.

Joan will be remembered for her enthusiasm for life, her graciousness, loyalty to family, and wonderful sense of humor. She was a spiritual person who inspired others with her faith.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Chauncey Frank Kingsley and Marion Etter Morf Kingsley.

In addition to Bonnye Bond; she is survived by her son, Thomas William Kingsley, Oneonta, her sister, Diane Kingsley Vanderland, Temple, Texas; her nephew, William Sidney Vanderland, Midland, Texas; her nieces, Sandra Louise Hudson, Harker Heights, Texas and Marian Alice Lowther, Seminole, Fla; seven gran- nephews and nieces; and five great-grand-nephews and niece.

A memorial service was Saturday, Jan. 16, at Coker United Methodist Church, San Antonio,

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Joan’s name be given to Coker United Methodist Church of San Antonio, Texas or any animal rescue organization.

Condolences may be offered at www.porterloring.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to with Porter Loring Mortuary North, San Antonio, Texas.