Joey

A beautiful soul that loved life, loved the beauty of a sunny day and loved a good campfire. Joseph “Joey” Vanwinkle enjoyed music, hunting and his family’s cottage where he was constantly surrounded by a loving family. He said “I love you” every day. He was an entertainer with a hilarious personality. He lit up any room he walked in and could make people laugh just by laughing…he would even laugh at his own laugh. But, inside, Joey suffered from anxiety; but he rarely showed outward signs of difficulty in daily life. He was a typical teen that mentioned suicide once in his life. His family had no idea and really, no warning. Joey took his life September 23, 2013. He was only 19 years old.


​This portrait has received funding to go home. A copy of Joey's portrait continues to travel with Jessica and the Words Matter exhibit.