Joyce A. Minor, 85, of Kansas City, passed away on July 21, 2017 at her daughter's home surrounded by her loving family.  She was born on May 31, 1932, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Walter and Ruth Acuff.  Joyce is preceded in death by her husband, J. Robert Minor.  She is survived by her children, Ann (Don) Bender, Belinda (Brian) Short, David (Fay) Minor; granddaughters, Katie Short, Emily Short, Elizabeth Bender, Sister Stavriane Short, Jane Bender, Amanda (Fr. Alex) Mackoul, and Victoria Short.

Joyce married J. Robert Minor in 1954 and they began their married life in Canton, MO.  Bob practiced law and she finished school, graduating from Culver Stockton College in 1955, with a degree in Education and Vocal Music.  They moved to Higginsville, MO for several years where daughters, Ann and Belinda were born, and then moved to Overland Park, KS in 1960 where they had their son, David.  In 1966 they moved to Prairie Village, KS.

Joyce discovered her love of music and singing at a very young age. She used this talent for almost 70 years, singing in church choirs and performing solos as part of her ministry to God.  For the last 40 years she has been a patron of the Lyric Opera, Kansas City Symphony, and the Harriman Jewell Series.

Joyce was always very active in her church wherever she lived, combining her love of music and children.  In addition to singing, she directed the children's choir at Overland Park Christian Church for fifteen years, taught Bible School, was a deacon, and established a music preschool.

She was passionate about her volunteer work, which included the Cerebral Palsy Daycare Center, purchasing dolls every Christmas for the Together Center, serving meals to the homeless as part of the Micah Ministry, and counseling at a shelter for battered women. In later years, her knitting skills produced hundreds of baby blankets for Truman Medical Center and scarves for Cross-Lines Christmas store.

In 1972, Joyce began working for the Kansas City, Missouri Head Start program and continued there until she retired in 2002.  She held many positions with the program including teacher, Education Coordinator, Assistant Director, Acting Director, and finally being part of the Compliance Review Team covering a four state area.  She always felt very fortunate to have found a career that was so fulfilling.

In the last four years she has enjoyed an active life at The Forum of Overland Park where she made new friends and participated in many activities including starting a knitting group, leading book club, attending sing-alongs, Bible study and bingo.

Joyce was a dedicated mother and grandmother, and was so proud of her three children, her two sons-in-law and daughter-in-law, and her seven granddaughters.  She will be missed by her family and many friends.

Services

Visitation will be held on Friday from 10:00~11:00 a.m. at Country Club Christian Church with a memorial service to immediately follow.

Memorial Contributions

Donations may be made in Joyce's name to the Micah Ministry, in care of Country Club Christian Church, 6101 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO  64113.