Joyce E. Jesse, passed away on October 3, 2026.

Joyce Elaine was born on a farm in Rosendale, Missouri, Andrew County, along with her twin sister, Janice Eileen on July 7, 1937 to Eldon Woodrow Todd and Frances Elizabeth (Stanton) Todd.

Joyce went to school in Savannah Missouri through her freshman year. The family moved to Kansas City after her father went to work for Armour Meats. She finished High School at Central High School and then went to business school in Kansas City. After taking some classes there, she found employment at American Encyclopedia.

She met her husband Bill Jesse on a blind date arranged by Charlene, an old High School friend. They went on their first date in October of 1957 and were later married on June 21, 1958. Bill was drafted into the military in 1958 and served till 1962, including one year in Thule, Greenland. Bill and Joyce have two children, Scott Eugene Jesse, 7/12/61 and Terri Lynn Jesse, 5/3/68. They lived in Raytown for 5 years. They moved to Denver, CO in 1966 due to a promotion from Manor Bakery. They decided in the Fall of 1968 to return back to Kansas City, MO. Bill started a job at the Ford Motor Co in 1968. They moved up North to Gladstone, MO where they lived for 28 years. Joyce worked at several Dairy Queens where she enjoyed meeting people. She enjoyed walking at the Metro North Mall in the mornings. They then moved to a home on 5 acres south of Smithville, MO. They considered this their favorite home. Their most recent home was close to downtown Smithville making it very convenient for shopping and seeing their friends at the Senior Center.

She started attending Northside Christian Church with her children on Easter Sunday in 1973. She enjoyed helping with VBS every summer. While in CWF (Christian Women Fellowship) they made embroidery baby quilts for the ladies. After moving to Smithville, she went to the Smithville Senior Citizens 3 days a week. She made many friends and offered her services wherever it was needed. She loved her family so much. To have lived this long she believed was in God's hands. She got to be with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Joyce is survived by her husband Bill, her son Scott, Scott's wife Kelly, and daughter Terri Kennison. She also has 2 granddaughters Laura, husband Brett, and Melissa, husband Derick. There are 5 great grandchildren, Claire 12, Hazel 10, Kennedy 7, Vivian 6, and Graham 3. Her family all lived close and were able to spend holidays and time together. Joyce has a surviving twin sister Jan and their families who live in the Lees Summit area. She has always been very close with her twin.

A Celebration of her life will be held at Terrace Park Funeral Home & Cemetery on Friday, October 9th with visitation beginning at 1:00pm, followed by the funeral service at 2:00pm and graveside. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Diabetes Association in Joyce's memory. Donations may be made online at diabetes.org or mailed to American Diabetes Association, PO Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023.