"Some lives are measured by years, but extraordinary lives are measured by the love they leave behind. Joyce Marie Butts was one of those extraordinary people."

Joyce Marie Koonce (Butts) was born on July 16, 1947, in St. Louis, Missouri, to the late John Koonce and Irma Lean Koonce. She was a loving daughter, devoted wife, caring mother, cherished grandmother, treasured sister, faithful friend, and a woman whose life was defined by compassion and unconditional love.

Joyce was raised and educated in St. Louis, Missouri, where she attended Soldan High School. Around the age of 14, she and her sister Johnnie, joined the Gates Golden Gladiators singing group that was sponsored by Gates Funeral Home in St. Louis. This was where her gift and love for singing was cultivated.

Joyce was very popular in school and had many friends that she kept in contact with until they transitioned or when she did. Even those who may have become friends with Joyce in her adulthood could expect an occasional telephone call or a card in the mail for their birthday or Christmas. It was her joy to stay connected to people. From an early age, she demonstrated the kindness, strength, and resilience that would become the hallmark of her life.

In 1969, Joyce moved to Kansas City, Missouri, with her mother, Irma Lean Koonce; her sister, Johnnie Addison, and Johnnie's daughter, Trina; Joyce also brought her own children, Warren and Patrice, and shortly after arriving in Kansas City, she welcomed the birth of her daughter, Dorice. A year after they arrived in Kansas City, her adopted sister, Carol Washington (House) joined them with her son, Eric.

In 1971, Joyce married the love of her life, Jay Harvey Butts. Together they built a home filled with laughter and hospitality. Their union was blessed with the birth of their son, Shelton L. Butts, Sr. Joyce and her children were welcomed into the Butts family where she gained five brothers and four sisters-in-law.

Joyce was affectionately known throughout Vineyard Village as the neighborhood's "fun mom." Her home became a place where everyone was welcome. Whether she was taking neighborhood children places with her children such as roller skating, to the drive-in movies, swimming, craw fishing, or simply gathering everyone together to watch Friday Fright Night, to play Pokeno or Bid Wiz, or just weekends filled with fun, laughter, and Jay Harvey's famous pit style barbecue, Joyce had a remarkable way of making every person feel like family. Her home was always filled with love and unforgettable memories.

Although Joyce and Jay separated in 1993, they shared many meaningful years together raising their family. She later found companionship with Willie Jones Jr. for over two decades before his passing in 2016.

As her children grew older, Joyce devoted herself to her career. She faithfully served as an employee of KC Plasma Center before continuing her career with Lear Corporation, where she worked until her retirement in 2004. Even after retirement, she became a Home Health Caregiver, where she spread her love and support to others until her health failed her in 2025. She was admired for her dedication, integrity, and compassionate spirit.

Joyce accepted Christ at an early age, and He remained her rock throughout the trials and tribulations of life. She rededicated her life to Him in 2004 and became a faithful member of Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where she joyfully served as a member of the church choir. Her faith was her anchor and the guiding force behind the love and kindness she shared with everyone she met.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, John Koonce and Irma Lean Koonce; her husband, Jay Harvey Butts; her beloved son, Warren E. Koonce; her granddaughter, Sydney Denise Butts; and her cherished niece, Tracie Hardin.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving sisters, Johnnie Addison and Carol House; her daughters, Patrice Koonce and Dorice Koonce; her son, Shelton Butts, Sr. (a very special daughter-in-love, Andrea); her grandsons, MarVon Smith, Sr. (Candace), DaVaile Durham, Shelton Butts, Jr., and Jalen Koonce; her granddaughters, Angelique McKinzy (Deonaven), Shakala Trent (Keishawn), Cierra Butts, Shelby Butts, and Cynea Butts; her great-grandchildren, MarVon Smith, Jr., Marzell Smith, Malaysia Smith, Gabriel Durham, and Shemar Butts, Skylar Butts, Syair Butts, and Kayomi Trent along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, lifelong friends, church family, neighbors, and all whose lives were blessed by her love and friendship.

Joyce's greatest accomplishment was not measured by titles or possessions but by the lives she touched and the family she nurtured. She taught by example—showing that love is expressed through service, kindness, and generosity. She found joy in life's simple moments: family gatherings, holidays filled with laughter, and creating memories that will live on for generations.

Although our hearts grieve her passing, we rejoice in knowing that her earthly journey has been exchanged for eternal peace. Her legacy of love, compassion, and strength will continue to shine brightly through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and everyone blessed to have known her.

"Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord."
Matthew 25:23

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc.