Mary Joyce Titus, 91, passed away December 16, 2022 at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond, MO. Mrs. Titus was born June 21, 1931 in Excelsior Springs, MO.
Mary Joyce’s professional banking career began in 1952 at the old Clay County State Bank. Over 40 years later, she retired from Bank of America. She was a member of many professional, civic and charitable organizations. She had been a member of Flack Memorial Church since November 25, 1934. Her membership was the longest of any member.
Once retired, Mary Joyce spent her time as a volunteer. The vast majority of her volunteering centered around the Excelsior Springs Hospital, whether with Auxiliary projects, the gift shop or the business office. Quilting, reading, watching football, especially the K. C. Chiefs, were her hobbies. Nearly all her quilts were given away to friends and family. Annually she donated quilts for fundraising.
Regardless of how busy she kept, her family always came first. Volunteering was put on hold for family visits, activities or planning those annual family vacations. She had been to all 50 states. Hers was truly a life of service, first to her family, then to her friends and community. “Have a sunny day” instead of “Good bye” was Mary Joyce’s signature phrase and it was always delivered with a smile.
Mary Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Thelma Pointer Meyer; her brother, Frank Meyer; her husband of over 50 years, Emmett Titus; and her son, David Titus.
She is survived by her daughter, Brenda Titus of Etowah, N.C.; her grandson, Jeremiah Titus and his wife Bridgett of Richmond; and great grandchildren, Blakelee, Everlee and Cooper.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Flack Memorial Church or the Excelsior Springs Hospital Auxiliary.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at Flack Memorial Church, Excelsior Springs, MO. Visitation will be held from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the church prior to the funeral. Her ashes will be buried in Hillcrest Cemetery immediately following the funeral.
Arrangements in care of Bross and Spidle Chapel, Excelsior Springs.
Our Sincere Condolences
So glad to have known her and all the family! Prayers for all of them.
Michael H Teegarden
We knew Mary Joyce for many years, beginning when she was in the accounting department at AVSCO in the 60’s! Always admired Mary Joyce’s ability to give her all on any job or project she undertook! Mary Joyce made such a positive impact on Excelsior Springs! Mary Joyce will be missed by so many!
Terry & Karen Vogler
I have worked at Excelsior Springs Hospital for many years. I clearly remember visiting the gift shop often and there would be Mary Joyce with a smile and “have a sunny day”. What a giving person she was. Prayers to all her family and friends during this time of loss.
Colleen Jackson
Mary Joyce volunteered in the Business Office for many years–she did such a great job helping us, I asked her if she’d consider working for us. She replied, “No, I’m retired.” I laughed and pointed out that she was volunteering almost full time, to which she said “Yes, but I want to do what I want to, when I want to.” She was a really remarkable woman — her signature “have a sunny day” was how she lived her life, in all aspects. Mary Joyce would always greet our office with “Good morning, lovely ladies.” She was a special person, and I feel privileged to have known her.
Ann Hester
Sorry for this loss, Brenda, I was just recently thinking about her. She lived a good long life. She will certainly be missed.
Mary Toms Baker
You will be greatly missed, I have often thought about you since the days I used to see you at the hospital when you were volunteering.
Larissa Vaughn
I remember the hours Mary Joyce spent helping a group of us found and nurture the Cultural Guild back in the 70s. She was the business side of our sometimes unruly group, but she was patient, compassionate, and seemed to be having fun. What an impact her life has had!
Roberta Hammer
I have had the pleasure of knowing Mary Joyce Titus my entire life. Through our membership with the Business Professional Women she modeled for me what a business women should be in a world that is working toward equality. Through her support and encouragement, I was able to gain confidence to grow in my career and as a person. Her dedication to the hospital’s auxiliary and the warmth she made you feel while in the gift shop didn’t go unnoticed. Mary Joyce was an instrumental figure in our community and will be missed dearly. My condolences to all of the Titus family and those who knew her.
Courtney Cole
