Joyce Ann (Wray) (Butler) Fagan

Joyce Ann (Wray) (Butler) Fagan passed away peacefully on April 16, 2024, with her family lovingly by her side. She was 80 years old (40 days shy of her 81st Birthday).

She was born May 25, 1943 to Orville Kenneth Wray and Mary Eugenia Neal. Joyce lived much of her young life in Maryville, Missouri with her three siblings, Ronald, Steven, and Phyllis, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and life-long friends nearby.

The happiest days of her childhood were spent on the farms of her Grandparents and her Aunt Lila and Uncle Forrest, who raised pigs. Joyce cherished visiting her family while caring for the many animals that resided on those vast stretches of land.

Joyce spent her summers picking vegetables alongside her father, who was well known for his vegetable gardens. He ran several local businesses that kept Joyce and the family busy. He also wrote a column about gardening in their local newspaper. Joyce’s mother, an active member of their community, was known for her love of birds. Deeply devoted to their family’s church, Joyce’s mother played piano for the congregation every Sunday.

Joyce’s childhood was not without challenges. As a baby, Joyce contracted polio. For thousands of children this disease was insurmountable. For Joyce, polio was an obstacle to overcome.

She persevered for years through agonizing pain while enduring braces, casts, and multiple surgeries.

Though her right leg was much shorter than her left, Joyce learned to walk. As a child, she couldn’t run, skip, or jump but these limitations never stopped her. During a time when disability was often framed as tragic or inferior, Joyce refused to see herself as disabled. Throughout her life, Joyce’s belief in her own physical capabilities remained steadfast. She always refused wheelchairs, canes, special parking permits and any other device intended to make her life easier. At every turn, Joyce opted to prove that she was capable. Though polio was an ever-present part of Joyce’s life, she would go on to have great adventures.

In the late 1950’s, Joyce met her greatest love and the father of her beloved children, Robert “Bob” Butler, at a street fair. They immediately hit it off. Their first date was at a place called Pumpkin Center. The pair quickly discovered a mutual love of dance. They attended the newly opened Catalina Club every Saturday night. Over time, their love of dance evolved into a love of one another.

Joyce and Bob spent nearly 20 years building a business together and starting their beautiful family. They were forever proud of their four children, Debbie, Christie (Jim), Stacy (Chris), and Robert Shannon (Yadira).

As a young mom, Joyce was very involved in her community. She was an active member of the local PTA and the Missouri Jaycees, a group of young men and women who worked together to improve their small Missouri towns. Joyce was a Girl Scout leader and volunteered in the Big Sister Program, helping children experiencing adversity. Throughout her life, Joyce often worked to raise money for those in need, even as she struggled with her own misfortunes.

Grandchildren came early for Joyce. Granddaughters Heather (Andrew), Meranda (Aaron), Nicole (Sharodd) and Miraquelle (Derek) all arrived when Joyce was in her late 30s and early 40s. Then came her grandsons, Brandon, Ryan (Catlin), Chase (Taylor), and Taylor.

She was delighted by them all. Joyce could be found most days in the late 80s and early 90s, proudly wearing a faded homemade, hand-print sweatshirt, each of her grandchildren’s tiny hands represented. Maegan (Steven), Kate, and Austin (Michelle), Veronica and Meedz all entered her life in her 60s and her love multiplied.

Joyce joyfully became “Granny” to her 14 great-grandchildren, Ariana, Lilly, Jasmine, Julius, Madison, Nathan, Wilder, DJ, Chloe, Gianna, Makayla, Oliver, Daxton, and Teddy. She loved nothing more than to be surrounded by them all. Preferably, under the canopy of a big, beautiful tree with a campfire nearby.

Joyce was strong willed and stubborn at times, but she also had an enormous heart and a wonderful sense of humor. She remained optimistic even when facing great hardships. She was generous, loyal, compassionate, and brave. She enjoyed serving her neighbors and anyone she considered to be “good people.”

Joyce was an incredible artist, able to effortlessly draw or paint anything by sight. She was also a remarkably good cook and legendary for her biscuits and gravy, fried chicken, fried green beans, potato salad, and warm homemade noodles. Her grandchildren would request those noodles at every holiday, starting a family tradition that would extend over 40 years.

Joyce was also a big fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, often wrapping herself in the warmth of her favorite Patrick Mahomes blanket. With a cat or other beloved pet by her side as she enjoyed the big game. She cheered loudly, celebrated big wins, and was bereft when they lost. Joyce was the truest of fans.

Joyce will be remembered for all the heart she shared with her friends and family. She truly loved each of them. They truly loved her, “morester.”

When her time came, Joyce left the world quietly, peacefully, and with strength and humor. She was full of love for the children and grandchildren surrounding her. She was held by the same loving hands that adorned that faded old shirt she wore so proudly in the 1980s.

In typical Joyce fashion, no pomp and circumstance will be deployed for her final farewell. Her family will gather privately. They will share her stories, laugh, cry, hold hands, and embrace. They will feel the sublime joy that is being with one another, all of them part of her, together again.

Grateful for the moment, though heartbroken for the reason. They will strum her favorite songs on their guitars. They will sing. They will feel her love. They will thank God for her. For she has given them their greatest gifts. Her love, their life, each other.

We love you.

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