Judy Lee Joyce

Oct 23, 2015 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2015 | 20 comments

Judy Lee Joyce fought her illness courageously, until she found peace with our Lord in Heaven on October 21, 2015.

Judy was born in Gardner, KS on November 21, 1946 to Robert and Dorothy Townley. She spent her earliest years in Paola before moving to Olathe, where she graduated from Olathe High School in 1964. She graduated from Emporia State Teachers College, with the Class of ’69, where she met future husband Steve Little. She taught at Burke Elementary in Hickman Mills from 1970-72, leaving only to become a stay-at-home mom. She also operated an in-home daycare in Belton from 1980-85. Judy returned to teaching in 1985 for the Kansas City, Missouri School District, retiring in 2005, just to go back to teaching in the Center School District with her final retirement in 2010.

Judy married Martin Joyce in 1993 and together they created their dream home, thanks in large part to her magic knack for interior decorating.

Over the last 10 years Judy was devoted to her church community. She chaired the fellowship team which included coordinating hospitality for the Big Band Boogie Bash, July Jazz Jam, and Jazz Carol Fest. Judy was also the worship chairperson and was always volunteering her time.
She devoted her life to working with kids, even in retirement. She was excited this past spring to volunteer at the Crittenton Center for abused children. Sadly, cancer was already developing within her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and survived by her husband Marty, son Brion, daughter Jolie, and grandsons Cail and Bradley. A celebration of her life will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, October 31st at Community Christian Church, 4601 Main, Kansas City, MO.

Contributions can be made to Kansas City Hospice Foundation, 1500 Meadow Lake Parkway, Suite 200, Kansas City, MO. 64114 or to Make A Wish Foundation on-line at mo.wish.org

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JERRY HIBBERD

7 years ago

Beautiful lady, inside and out. We all will really miss her.

Tracey Murray

7 years ago

Judy was always so kind and helpful. She welcomed us back to church and always greeted us with a smile and conversation. I always asked her teacher questions, and she would always share her wonderful wisdom. It is hard to imagine that I will not see her smile or hear her voice, but she has inspired me to be a better teacher and person. We will miss her so! Prayers for Marty and the family will be sent your way.

Ruth Bogart

7 years ago

Just was a fun loving girl. She was always happy and had a smile for everyone. She talked to be about her love for her children and grandchildren, and of course Marty. She loved the arts and was completely dedicated to education. Later in life we realized we knew many of the same people around Cass County. She was one of those friends that you could not see for years and pick up right where we left off. I pray her husband, children, and grandchildren will soon remember the good times and how lucky God planned to give them to her for her to show her devoted love and many talents. She will be greatly missed. She is now in the arms of our Lord.

Ruth Bogart

7 years ago

Judy was a special and unique woman. I have known her since our childhood. She was always smiling and loved to talk and visit about old times in Olathe or any other subject.She liked everyone and would always make people feel better just by visiting with her. She loved the arts and devoted to the education of young people. Her Christianity was real, and I’m sure a help in the last year. She talked about her love for Marty, her daughter and son and grandchildren. God blessed them by giving them Judy for a wife, mother, and grandmother. She is now forever at peace and in the arms of our loving Lord.

Ruth Bogart

7 years ago

Forgive me for writing two entries. I can’t get the first one to delete. I can hear Judy laughing with me.

Connie Jones

7 years ago

What a beautiful spirit. Her joy touched everyone she met. May God bless her family.

Monica Lewis

7 years ago

She was an amazing lady. Her spirit was infectious and her heart was selfless. She will be missed.

Theresa Henderson

7 years ago

I met Judy while working at Center Elementary and immediately developed a unique friendship. So much so that I named my car Judy Joyce because my tag’s letters consisted of JJ. We had a big laugh over that. My heart is still in shock over the lost of a dear friend. Finding comfort in John 5:28, 29.

Tim Townley

7 years ago

You will be missed cousin Judy. You have lived a life full of faith, love, and service. May you find rest in the arms of our Savior!!

Jayme Hennegin

7 years ago

She was such a wonderful person to work with as a teacher just starting out. Her smile could light up a room. Many prayers for her friends and family.

Kevin James

7 years ago

I was very fond of Ms. Joyce. She was a great co-worker at Satchel Paige. I remember that beautiful smile she had on her face.

Karen Sutton-Beets

7 years ago

Judy and I went to School together in Olathe, Kansas. We had not seen each other since my graduation in 1963 but reconnected at the Class of 1964 monthly breakfasts. What a joy these past few years have been to reconnect. She was always so full of life with so many shared interests that getting together was anticipated like Christmas! I can only imagine the excitement going on in heaven now that she has arrived! We are all going to miss Judy but she has left us a legacy of love and so many memories to savor.

Beth Bohon

7 years ago

I treasure every moment I ever shared with “the Judes” ! She and I shared wickedly funny times talking about things, and yes, sometimes people!! But it was never mean. We just loved to laugh together. Shared times with her and Marty at the Community Christian Church Main Street Market and have great memories of those times. . I will miss her tremendously – I already do. One last “song” for her a la the Beetles…..this has been going through my head for days…”Hey Judes – though we’ll be sad…..you made all of our lives much better. When we think of you we always will smile. Until that day when we’re all together.”

Love to All of you – Marty, Jolie, Brion. Marty – you know Sheridan and I are here for you.

Jean Bohon

7 years ago

So sad that we will no longer have Judy among our church community family and so glad for Judy that she is now with her heavenly community! I am certain that she is laughing, volunteering and heading up heavenly committees! My hope is that she will be assigned as one of my angels to guide and teach me – with that spirit of hers!
God bless and comfort Judy’s family.

Vernice Collins

7 years ago

Judy was such a lovable and caring lady. We all had a good time with our 1964 50th class reunion. Her faith keep her spirits going for her family and friends. You will be missed. R.I.P Judy

Vernice Collins

7 years ago

Reply to Vernice Collins

Judy’s faith kept her spirits up for her family and friends.
We had such a good time at all of our 50th class reunion activities. She looked so good.
R.I.P Judy

Sheri Harding

7 years ago

Thoughts and prayers for you and your family. I pray that you will find peace and comfort thru this most difficult time. My God wrap you all in His ever loving arms. Cherish the memory of this precious wife, mother, woman and friend. I’m sure that she has made an eternal mark on your hearts. God bless.

Donna

7 years ago

So many memories & thoughts to enrich our lives!
May God’s grace & mercy continue to embrace you daily. Prayers continue!

Greg Gildersleeve

7 years ago

Judy was a dear friend and hostess at church. She was always recruiting me for things, and it was hard to say no to her! She approached each event with a smile, enthusiasm, and style. Thank you for sharing your life with us, Judy, and may you be at peace.

Amanda Krysa

7 years ago

If you ever wonder why the angels sing, it’s because she now flies with angel wings.

All our love,
The Krysa Family
Shawn, Amanda, Parker & Preston

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