Joy Bell Kierns

Beloved wife for 23 years to the late John T. Callahan, Jr. and 30 years to the late James T. Kierns, II. Mother of four sons, Michael (Cindy) Callahan and his late twin, John Bell Callahan; Chris (Vicki) Callahan and his late twin, Stephen Hearne Callahan. Step-mother of Jim (Judy) Kierns. Grandmother of Brian (Katie) Callahan, Jennifer (Kyle) Limpert, David (Bryanna) Callahan, Greg (Cori) Callahan, and Jimmy (Jenny) Kierns. Great-Grandmother of Jordyn Callahan, Landon and Cason Limpert, Rilyn and Rowynn Callahan, Leighton, Cheyenne and Caroline Callahan, Hannah and Josh Kierns.

Joy loved her Christian faith, her family, and her friends. She was born and raised in St. Louis, MO, by her loving parents, Homer and Alice Bell; and shared a very special bond with her Godmother and Aunt, Margaret (Pacey) Martin. Joy graduated from Webster Groves High School and Harris Teachers College.

Joy lived a full and eclectic life. She had a love of music and art and taught both for a while in St. Louis City Public Schools after graduation from college. Joy's passion, though, was buying and selling antiques, and was an antique vendor throughout most of her adult life. She was also a Real Estate Agent and Broker, retired from the St. Louis County Government Office as an Assessor, and then continued to enjoy buying houses for rehab and resale with her husband, Jim.

Joy lived out the last six plus years at Parc Provence in Creve Coeur, where she enjoyed music, arts and crafts, and all the activities (except chair exercises), and meeting new friends. The family wishes to thank all those who lovingly cared for her throughout the years. Joy will be forever loved and missed.

A Gathering of Family and Friends for Joy will be held Friday, June 23, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Kriegshauser Mortuary-West Chapel, 9450 Olive Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63132. Following the Gathering will be a Graveside Service at Calvary Cemetery & Mausoleum, 5239 W. Florissant Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63115.

Contributions to Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital Foundation in memory of her late first-born son, John Bell Callahan, are appreciated. https://www.glennon.org

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kriegshausermortuary.com for the Callahan and Kierns family.