Joyce Kay Davidson

Obituary for Joyce Kay Davidson

Joyce Kay Davidson, age 71, passed away on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. She was born in Lamar, Missouri, to Noel and Mabel (Winningham) Thomas. Joyce graduated from Lamar High School in 1970 and married the love of her life, John Davidson, on July 29, 1973.

The couple initially moved to Springfield, Missouri, where Joyce earned her bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate from Missouri State University. They then relocated to Fort Worth, Texas, as John pursued his seminary education. Throughout their life together, Joyce dedicated herself to supporting her husband’s ministry, raising their children, and furthering her own education. She obtained a master’s degree in education from Missouri State University, which enabled her to positively impact the lives of many students during her career.

Their journey took them to various communities, including Sapulpa, Oklahoma; Blue Springs; Battlefield; Lebanon; Moberly; Carthage, Missouri; and eventually Wichita, Kansas. Wherever they went, Joyce’s warmth and grace left a lasting impression on those around her.

Joyce cherished her family above all else and took immense joy in visiting her grandchildren. She was a talented cook, widely known for her signature peanut brittle, a family recipe passed down through generations. Her pecan pie, delicious lasagna, homemade bread, and culinary improvisations made every meal special.

A lover of puzzles, Joyce enjoyed everything from Sudoku to crosswords. She also took great pleasure in sewing and knitting, crafting baby caps for newborns and English smocked gowns for families mourning the loss of an infant for local hospitals. She created many beautiful English smocked dresses for her own daughters and granddaughters. Joyce also had a very good sense of humor, and delighted in playing pranks on her husband and children from time to time.

John - Joyce was my partner in life, my soul mate, and the love of my life. From the moment that I met her, I knew my life would never be the same. Her beauty and humor captivated me, making her the apple of my eye for over 51 years. She lived Proverbs 3: 5-6 through every season we walked through as a family.

Heather – She demonstrated sacrificial love by staying at home and raising her children. She had the patience of a saint when teaching me, whether it was life lessons or school lessons. My kids also enjoyed that patience and love when playing games with her. They loved it when she called them “muffin” or “pumpkin;” they also loved snuggling on the couch with Grandma and listening to her read to them.

Tara - She loved the Lord and encouraged her kids to love Him, too. Her favorite verse was, “But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19) She treasured all the times with her kids and grandkids in all the activities she would attend for church, piano, and school. She was beautiful, gracious, and quiet, but there was always laughing and giggling when she was around.

Stacey - Words cannot express the amount of faith my mom showed us, and the depth of love that she showered upon us in a million different ways. From teaching me, a left hander, to knit to saying “I love you, and miss you” at the end of every call is only the tip of the iceberg. Ever the prankster, she also taught us that life may have its downs, but a good laugh with family will lift any weariness from your soul and see you through any valley.

Joel - Her character embodied what everyone wants in a mom, a mother-in-law, and a grandmother. I know she was our mom, but after meeting students from the different schools where she taught, she really was a mom to all. She had a quiet spirit with an empathetic heart and made a lasting impact on her husband, children, in-laws, grandchildren, and students.

Joyce is survived by her devoted husband, John; their children Heather (Ross) Navarro of Bentonville, AR, Tara (Lee) Thornburg of Wichita, KS, Stacey Davidson of Bossier City, LA, and Joel (Sarah) Davidson of Scottsdale, AZ; and her beloved grandchildren, Evan, Caleb, Jace, Elise, Teyla, Callum, Hudson, and Leighton. She is also survived by her siblings Roy Thomas of Carthage, MO, Virginia Wilson of Newburg, NY, and Jeanie (Rusty) Scott of Springfield, MO.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Junior Thomas, Otis Thomas, and Mary Thomas.

Joyce’s legacy of love, service, and dedication to her family and community will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her. A graveside service will be held at Bethlehem Cemetery on November 2, 2024 at 2:30 pm.