Joy Smith Stegner, 71, of Kearney, MO, passed away on the morning of Saturday, April 13, 2024 at her home due to complications from a recent illness.
She was the youngest of four children born to the late Elbert and Ellen Smith on October 2, 1952, in Kentwood, LA, and grew up on a dairy farm. Joy placed her faith in Jesus and was baptized on June 17, 1962. She attended Northeast Louisiana University in Monroe, LA, where she completed her 5-year Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree in 3 and a half years.
Joy met the love of her life, George Stegner, while taking night school classes at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA, and they were married on November 15, 1975. Their family continued to grow with the birth of two sons, Jeffrey in 1982, and Steven in 1984. Joy was a career pharmacist (retiring in 2016) who maintained her registration in 5 different states all while being a loving, devoted mother to her two sons. As a mom, Joy never missed an opportunity to see her sons’ band and choir concerts or little league baseball games.
Joy was an active member of several organizations, including the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Daughters of the War of 1812, where she enjoyed helping other women trace their genealogy. Joy was also a member of the Mustang Club of Greater Kansas City, serving as the membership chair for 20 years. In addition, she was a member of the Mustang Club of America, where she served on the national board of directors, participated on multiple committees, was a Gold-Card Judge, and earned her pin last weekend for having judged at 50 national shows. George and Joy loved to travel across the country to various Mustang Club of America car shows. Over the course of 18 months between October 2021 and March 2023, they visited 43 states in her Joyride Mustang and checked off her 50th state by cruising Hawaii.
In addition to her membership responsibilities, Joy enjoyed watching LSU and Kansas City football, as well as working on beautiful, quilted masterpieces with her mother-in-law, Jeanette. Besides Joy’s love for the Lord, her greatest passion was her love for her family—especially as Gramma to two grandchildren, Mykah (age 10) and Phoebe (age 3). She loved going on coffee dates and shopping with Mykah and reading to Phoebe.
Joy was preceded in death by her parents, Elbert and Ellen Smith, and her grandson, Gideon Stegner.
She is lovingly survived by her husband, George Stegner; her sons, Jeff Stegner (Richard) and Steven Stegner (Lisa), and her granddaughters, Mykah and Phoebe. Joy is also survived by her mother-in-law, Jeanette Stegner; her sister, Carolyn Baxter (Henry); brothers, Johnnie Smith and Lea Smith (Wanda); numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and many more beloved chosen family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial contributions to Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care.
Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 19, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Kearney, MO, 303 S. Grove St., Kearney, MO 64060. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. A fellowship meal will follow.
Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Wesley Chapel Cemetery, 13992 MO-N, Pilot Grove, MO 65276.
Arrangements in care of Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Kearney.
Our Sincere Condolences
Our loving prayers are with you, George, and your family!!
Craig & Jan Spidle
George,
We just heard the sad news that Joy passed away. We are so very sorry to hear this and wanted to offer our deepest condolences. We have fond memories of our times together in Baton Rouge. You and your family are in our thoughts.
Ana and Bob
So sorry. Hugs and prayers. God Bless.
Rick and Marge Templemire
I remember Joy fondly as she grew up across the road from in Kentwood. She used to take me to church with her as I was younger than her. She was a year younger than my brother Iley.
My deepest condolences for all the family and much love to all.
Jana Dillon
George, Gail and I send our deepest sympathies. Joy was such a sweet, lovely person. We have only fond memories of you and her. It seems such a short time ago that we were having our monthly bridge group, but we were in our 20s then. Do you remember that you and Joy went with Gail and me on the first date that she and I ever had together? We just celebrated our46th anniversary last week.
Hugh McClain
George and family,
So sorry to hear of the loss of Joy. Find comfort in and cherish the memories. Thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Elaine and Lenny
George,
Prayers of comfort and peace for you and your family during this time of grief. Even though it has been a long time, I remember singing for your wedding like it was yesterday. We also worked together at EM at that time. We will continue praying in the coming days.
Chris and Kathy Wales
George and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Joy’s passing. Just know you and your family are in my family’s thoughts and prayers…
LaVern Fields
Dear George and Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you all.
Karen Lammers Denison
Moira and I are so saddened to hear of Joy’s passing. Joy was a gift from God and will be missed by all those who knew her. Condolences to George and the family..
Ron & Moira Gillum
George,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Joy will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
John & Shari Godfrey
George and family, I am so sorry for your loss. In the brief time I have known Joy, she was very friendly to me and welcomed me to the Mustang Club of America from the beginning. My thoughts and prayers go out to you George as well as the rest of the family during this difficult time!
Todd Broadway
Jeff and Family –
Sending my love and deepest condolences to you all. May her soul rest in peace.
Kristin Searle
George and family, we were so sorry to hear of Joy’s passing. Our hearts go out to you in such a great loss. One that came too soon. May God keep you all wrapped in his arms of love and comfort in all the days of missing her ahead. What comfort in knowing you’ll see her again in heaven.
With love and prayers,
Don and Cheryl Barker
