Joyce was the first-born child of Earsel & Vira Atchley in Independence, MO and lived most of her early life there with her brothers, Darrell and David. Though they grew to be much, much taller than her, they were forever her “baby brothers”, and she was their “Sissy”.
As a young woman, she was proud to leave home and spend time traveling with her best friend Pat to Colorado and San Francisco. The happiest moment of her young life came when she met and married her husband, Gene and settled into their home on Summit Street. It was there that they raised their only child Greg.
Joyce was a wonderful homemaker, wife and devoted mother. She and Gene enjoyed their many years together as members of the Elks lodge, traveling to Vegas, and being involved with Greg’s many activities. She loved music and dancing and also “garage selling” as she called it, always finding something unique that she could use to decorate her home.
Joyce never met a stranger and could always light up a room with her spark, laughter and sharp wit! She was the only person in the world that could wear bright orange all the time and look fabulous!
After her husband passed, Joyce was able to enjoy spending time at a small cabin at the Lake of the Ozarks which she loved to share with her family and friends and could often be found there kicking up her heels and relaxing with her little dog Dukie.
Joyce loved dogs and had many throughout her life, but little KC, a Yorkie, was her favorite. He was a scared, little stray that was picked up by a vet friend of Joyce’s, and when she saw how much care and love the little dog was going to need, she knew to call Joyce.
Joyce had a heart as big as her smile, and she lived for nothing more than to be there for her family. When she was blessed with her first grandson, Derek, he named her Mimi, and thereafter, she was always our beloved Mimi!
Mimi was thrilled when her twin grandsons were born, and she loved to spend her days helping out and doting on them whenever possible! Her love and care were always evident in everything she did for her family. As her grandchildren grew, her friendship with their mother, Vickie remained steadfast and strong and she treated her as her own daughter for the rest of her life. Joyce was an amazing, sassy, exceptional woman. Her last few years were spent in the fog of dementia, but Joyce’s spark could be seen every so often, especially when she was played a jazzy tune, or she saw a handsome man walk down the hall.
She outlived her husband, Gene and her son, Greg.
She is survived by her grandsons Derek Brown, Alex Brown, and Spencer Brown, in Kansas City along with her former daughter in law, Vickie. She also leaves behind her dear brothers Darrell Atchley (Roberta), Coweta, OK and David Atchley (Laura), Ardmore, OK; nieces Michelle Atchley Shipman (Tony), Coweta, OK and Sarah Atchley Jones (Brent), Broken Arrow, OK; nephew Mark Atchley (Amy) St. Charles, MO and nieces Angie Atchley Stull (Kevin) Lancaster, KY and Julie Atchley Robinson, Birmingham, AL, and many great nieces and nephews.
Joyce, Sissy, Mom, Mimi you are loved, and you will be missed! “Really and Truly”.
A visitation for Joyce will be held Monday, February 4, 2019 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer and Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131. A funeral service will occur Monday, February 4, 2019 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. A burial will occur Monday, February 4, 2019.
