Joyce Delaine Lemon McMillian April 17,1945 to December 12th, 2023
Beloved Wife, loving Mother, Goofy Grandma, Coordinator of Admissions at MWSU for more
than 30 years. Deeply creative, there was little Joyce could not mold with her magic hands and
magnificent mind.

Joyce never knew a stranger, and her hugs, smile, and words of encouragement were not
restricted to those in her circle. Her circle was wide and deep, and had an opening so that
anyone could enter it. Her coffee pot was always on for those who needed to talk in the middle
of the night. "Grandma" to hundreds of students at St.Francis, LeBlond, and Missouri Western.
Eucharistic Minister and Lector at St Francis and a volunteer to countless efforts. Her Catholic
faith and fellowship were a core part of who she was.

Joyce's work was never just work. It was her calling. Her MWSU colleagues were family to her,
not just friends. Their children she loved as she did her own, helping each other through the
triumphs and tragedies. Anyone that worked with Joyce will tell you " She ran that place, and it
would have fallen apart without her.". Even the Globetrotters made it a point when on campus to
come and get a "Joyce Hug". She was an ambassador for MWSU to the end.

Her children and grandchildren (and countless others) are forever blessed with memories of
"Joyce Magic". From Birthdays to Christmas ( She so loved Christmas), to Graduations and
Weddings, for Joyce, love was a VERB. She would spend hundreds of hours ( and stay up all
night) to ensure that every detail was perfect. Nothing made her happier than seeing others
happy. Her need in this life was to be needed.

Joyce was the original Cake Boss(Lady). And no costume or "special project" request was too
much. Blowing people's minds with what her mind and her hands could dream of and manifest.
She was a cruising, camping, and Colorado kind of gal. A spend the night on the sidewalk to
see the Royals in the World Series kind of fan. We lived at the baseball field growing up, and
she was the scorekeeper for all of our games. Cheering us and everyone else on from the
stands at every sporting event. In these past years, College football and the Chiefs gave her
something to cheer for.

A graduate of Lafayette HS class of '63, Joyce is survived by her husband, James McMillian of
St. Joseph, son Jeffery McMillian (spouse Julie McMillian), daughter Jolie McMillian, sister
Janice Crowe and sisters-in-law Jean Walter, Connie Lemon and Diann Stanton-Corman,
grandchildren Jonathan Cole McMillian, Clay Appell, and Caleb McMillian, many nieces,
nephews and cousins, and Toby her loyal and beloved Havanese. She was preceded by
parents John D and Blanche M Lemon, and brothers John and Wayne Lemon.
One of her greatest wishes was to be with her Daddy. We have no doubt he brought her home.
Visitation will be held at Heaton Bowman, Monday December 18th from 6-8pm
A Mass will be held at St. Francis Catholic Church, Tuesday December 19th at 11am ( also the
date that would have been her 58th Wedding Anniversary).

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a cause close to your heart, and should you wish to truly
honor Joyce's spirit, should you see someone that needs a hug, please give them one.