Joyce Perry, lifelong Joplin resident, killed in tornado

Mary Joyce Perry, age 76, of Joplin, passed away on Sunday May 22, 2011, from injuries sustained in the tornado.


Joyce was born November 16, 1934 in Joplin, Mo., the daughter of John and Vivian Thurman. She was a lifelong resident of Joplin and a graduate of Joplin High School. In October 1953 she married Warren E. Perry in Joplin. He preceded her in death on October 31, 1983. She was a secretary for Prudential Insurance and KODE TV and then owner of It Figures in Joplin. She presently worked for C.J. Uniform Shop in Joplin. She was a member of Epsilan Sigma Alpha and AARP. She enjoyed spending her time with her grandchildren.

She is survived her daughter, Debbie McMurry and husband Doug, of Pittsburg, Ks.; her son, Dan Perry, of St. Louis, Mo.; grandsons, Eric Smith, of Carl Junction, Mo. and Ryan Smith , of St. Charles, Mo.; great-grandson, Cooper Smith; great-granddaughter Catie Smith, Carl Junction, Mo.; and a sister, Jean Goff, of Joplin. She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 5, 2011 at Mason-Woodard Chapel. Burial will be in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Angels Among Us or the Alzheimer Association in care of the mortuary.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.