JOYCE ANN JEFFERY

Joyce Ann Jeffery, 69, of Theodosia, MO was born on November 23, 1946 in West Terre Haute, IN and went to be with the Lord on February 4, 2016 in Branson, MO.

She was born to Cecil and Irene (Balding) Emerick whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded by three brothers George, Michael and Dickie; three sisters Violet, Charlotte and Mary; two brothers-in-law Howard Simpson and Howard Shonk as well as her soul mate Lenny Ahlgren. She is survived by siblings Lois Shonk, Gale and Thelma Emerick, Verna Lea and Kenny Sly, Betty and Don Pearson, Rose Simpson, Cecil Jr and Stella Emerick, Leonard and Ruth Emerick, Tom and Diane Emerick, Terry and Sheila Emerick and a sister-in-law Sharon Emerick.

Joyce was blessed with three children whom was her pride and joy, John Jeffery, Eric and Megan Jeffery, and Kendra Miles. Her grandchildren include Ethan Lain and Triston Kain from Nevada, Lathan from Indiana, Jaxson from Missouri, Rhonda, Amber, Jessie, Rach and Dakota, as well as nephews and nieces here in Missouri.

Joyce grew up and attended school around the Paris, IL area. After graduation she worked in restaurants and pizza management. She traveled to Texas where she worked at a nursing home. Shortly after, she moved back to the Paris area where she raised her children, John, Eric and Kendra. Joyce then moved to Missouri where she met her soul mate Lenny and his beloved dogs.

Joyce loved the Lord with all her heart. She was a blessing to everyone whom she got to know. She would take care of the elderly, drive them places they needed to go. She attended Salem General Baptist Church for many years and was involved with the youth and summer camps, as well as bible study. Even though Joyce was diagnosed with cancer and was on dialysis, she tried to attend church and serve the Lord. Her friends Rick and Marvis Clark took her many times to the doctor as well as Megan. Her Illinois/Michigan family traveled to see her many times through her illness, and many phone calls nightly from siblings. She spent her final day at Golden Living Nursing Home where her friend Kathy sat with her. Davin and Cody were there also with family from Illinois. Prayers and love helped Joyce along with music. She loved praying and listening to Cody singing sweet songs of spiritual music.

Joyce slipped through this life and into the gentle hands of the Lord at approximately 7:45 pm on February 4, 2016 after a hard struggle. The crossing over to the Great Beyond. Blessed are we that knew and loved Joyce. We are better people because we knew the love of this Angel Lady. There were many of her church family that helped in many ways.
Keep smiling beautiful Angel Lady. Thank you for loving our Joyce.

A Memorial Service was held on February 13, 2016 at the Salem General Baptist Church.