Joyce Faye (Neal) Mercer

Joyce Faye (Neal) Mercer, age 87, died December 13, 2023, surrounded by family.

Joyce was born April 11, 1936 in Richmond, Mo., the daughter of Perry T. and Madge Elena (Edwards) Neal. She was a coal miner’s daughter. Her parents later owned a small general store, then her father became an officer with the Richmond police force. Joyce worked at Mattingly’s Department Store selling candy and was nick-named Candy Kisses. She graduated from Richmond High School in 1954.

She married her husband, Ramon D. Mercer, on June 13, 1954 at the Richmond Baptist Church. The Mercers made their home in several locations, however, most of their married life they were residents of Lawson and Excelsior Springs. They managed a dairy farm and implement dealership, Mercer Farm and Implement, together. Joyce also worked as a historic guide at Watkins Mill.

Joyce had a deep love of music, playing her piano almost daily. She and Ramon gave special music for their church, weddings and on other occasions. Joyce was a Sunday School teacher for all ages and served as church treasurer for Lawson Baptist Church. She had moved her membership to Pisgah Baptist Church prior to her death, where she also taught a Sunday School class for the adult women.

Other interest included nature, history, doing artwork, reading and sewing. Joyce and Ramon had three children and she was active in all their school activities.

Ramon preceded her in death on June 23, 2006. She was also preceded by her parents, grandparents and son-in-law, Robert Nave.

Survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Dallas and Laura Mercer, daughter, Lisa Nave, and daughter and son-in-law, Sonya and Kevin Morgan, all of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; grandchildren, who fondly called her Gran, Stephanie Granby, Chris Mercer and wife, Erica, Tisha Nave-Atkinson and husband, Wade, Travis Nave and wife, Paulina, Courtney Cole and husband, Jason, Joseph Morgan and wife, Darci; great grandchildren, Aiden, Connor, Noah, Landon, Mackenzie, Timothy, Amber, Makalya, Ramy, Arianne, Abel, Lorenzo and Landon; and sister-in-law, Shirley Proffitt.

Cremation. Services will be held at a later date. The family wants to thank Aspire Senior Care Center, Excelsior Springs Hospital, and Excelsior Springs Home Health & Hospice for their care of Gran and support to the family.

Joyce wished that anyone who wanted to contribute in her memory and, due to her love of the Arts, give their expression of comfort with donations to the Excelsior Springs School District Music Department within the high school.

Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.