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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