Joyce C. Emerson
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Joyce Carol Emerson, age 81, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, June 15, 2023, after spending the last three years in memory care at Brandon Woods at Alvamar, in Lawrence, KS.
Born on February 22, 1942, to Arthur and Carrie Longhofer, Joyce grew up an only child in Wichita, KS, and attended Wichita Southeast High School.
Joyce married the love of her life, Wes Emerson, on February 19, 1976. Together, Joyce and Wes built a family and a business. They delighted in their three children and seven grandchildren. Starting in 1988, they developed Azomite Mineral Products and the company remains a mainstay in agriculture around the world today. They made dear friends everywhere they went and lived in the Kansas City area, Branson, MO, Colorado Springs, CO and Wichita, KS, and frequented the family trout farm in Ava, MO.
Joyce was gracious, witty, creative, and wise. She enjoyed reading, entertaining, and playing cards. She was a member of her local PEO chapter. She was a brilliant host – a great cook, warm, and welcoming. She loved Christmas, KU Jayhawks, shopping, bunnies, Colorado peaches, Elvis Presley, the color blue, flowers, a good hamburger, and any excuse to give a gift. She loved fine things, but more importantly, she loved fine people. She was a thoughtful friend, a devoted wife, a caring mother, and an engaged Nano. She made the people around her feel seen and heard. She had a strong faith that lasted the test of time, and dozens of handwritten prayers could be found on sticky notes tucked in her bible.
Joyce is survived by her son, Jeff Long (Allison) of Lawrence, KS and their children, Katherine Faulkner (Derek) of Kansas City, MO and their daughter, Rylie, and Jackson Long (Shannon) of Dallas, TX and their daughter, Wesley Kate; son, J. Scott Emerson (Michelle) of Leawood, KS and their children, Matthew, Grace and Jonathan Emerson of Leawood, KS; and daughter, Jody Adams (Chris) of Rockwall, TX and their children, Hannah Williams (Brandon) of Lawrence, KS, and Paden Adams of Denver, CO.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to KU Endowment, P.O. Box 928, Lawrence, KS 66044, to benefit Alzheimer’s and Dementia Research. Online donations may be made at www.kuendowment.org/give. Please indicate that gifts are for the Joyce Emerson memorial.
Please join the family in celebrating Joyce on Saturday, August 5 from 2-5 PM at Arterra Event Gallery, 2161 Quail Creek Dr, Lawrence, KS. A service of celebration will begin at 2 PM with a reception to follow.
Joyce will be missed here at Brandonwoods. May her beautiful soul rest in perfect peace. My condolences to the family.
Allison and Jeff, I’m sorry to hear of this tremendous loss. She sounds like a delightful person who lived her faith. May these great memories fill your minds and help to bring peace.
Hello to Joyce’s family: I have fond memories of Joyce. A favorite was going to a dance with Scott where she hosted a group of us for dinner in their home prior to a dance. I loved it and valued the creativity and labor involved. And yes, she knew how to make you feel loved and seen and
I always felt that love when I was around her as a teen. Well done good and faithful servant!
Much love, peace and comfort to all of you!
Nancy Van Bebber Dollar
Joyce was a delight. Her smile was infectious as was her singing and humming. She loved her children and grandchildren. Her room was filled with their pictures and she talked about them often. I can’t say enough. She was so precious and is missed. Fly high Joyce.
Joyce’s kind smile and witty humor will be so very missed here at Brandon Woods. She was a beautiful soul and I’m so thankful I was able to get to know her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this time.
Joyce and Wes were original dear members of our Po folks dinner group.For years we had fun, laughs together and dinner some place new.
I think this poem, which was sent to me, when my Marcia passed into Glory is what Joyce and Wes would say to us. Safely Home. I am home in heaven, dear ones; All’s so happy, All’s so bright! There’s perfect joy and beauty in this everlasting light. All the pain and the grief are over. Every restless tossing passed; I am now at peace forever. safely home at last. Did you wonder I so calmly Trod the valley of the Shade? Oh but Jesus’ love illumined Every dark and fearful glade! And He came himself to meet me On the way so hard to tread. And with Jesus arm to lean on
Could I have one doubt or dread? Then you must not grieve so sorely, For I love you dearly still. Try to look beyond earth’s shadows, Pray to trust our Fathers will. There is work still waiting for you. so you must not idly stand; Do your work while life remaineth You shall rest in Jesus land. When that work is all completed, He will gently call you home. Oh, the rapture of the meeting, Oh the joy to see you come.
What can I say about Joyce that anyone who met her doesn’t already know. She was so bright and charming. She let me sing (horribly might I add) with her. I will forever cherish our playlist Joyce. Thank you to the family for allowing me to be a part of her journey. God have so many graces the day she past, and if anyone could have a perfect death with joy it was her. Our Lord Jesus, she will sing of your praises as will I.
I knew Joyce for the past 41 years as a strong and compassionate woman. She raised three wonderful people in sometimes difficult circumstances. She never failed to offer a beautiful smile and warm conversation. Joyce will certainly be missed in this world.
Just learned of Joyce’s passing. My prayers and thoughts are why the family. Joyce and were friends from Minneapolis and SE high school days. Everything that has been said is so true of her.
Joyce was a friend and classmate at Southeast High School. I only have happy memories we shared. Sending love and prayers to her family and friends in her later life. She was a special friend of mine ❤️
Joyce was a joyful,gracious fun loving friend! We enjoyed sharing stories about our children and the grandchildren we shared. She showered love wherever she went and I look forward to sharing eternity with her!
I knew Joyce very well in high school and when the Emersons moved to Wichita. She was our guest in our gourmet group which was together for 20 years. When the Emersons moved to Missouri, we all missed them. Joyce was fun and funny and I enjoyed our friendship.