Joyce L. Shurn was born in Sedalia, Missouri December 26, 1939, to the late Charles and Anna Whitney.  She was one of eight children born to this union.  Carl Whitney, Deloris Caldwell, Charles L. Whitney and Harry Whitney all preceded her in death.

Joyce accepted Christ at an early age.  She graduated May 24, 1957, from C. C. Hubbard High School in Sedalia, MO and moved to Kansas City, MO and furthered her education.  She received a diploma from the Aline Jefferson Beauty Academy October 8, 1961.  She received a Bachelor's Degree in 2001, a Master's Degree in 2002 and a Doctorate in 2003 all in Christina Education from Faith Bible College in Kansas City, MO.  Joyce was employed at Western Electric, Lee's Summit, MO for 23 years.  After being laid off, she obtained employment in the Kansas City Missouri School District.

Joyce was one of the original members of the Whitney Singers group, Alma Whitney, originator who sang all over Kansas City.

On August 9, 1978, Joyce united in marriage to Olin Shurn, who later became the Shepherd of Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church of Jesus Christ.  Joyce served as musician at Mt. Nebo some 42 years.  Pastor Shurn served Mt. Nebo for twenty years, then retired due to poor health in 2010.  He later passed away. Joyce remained at Mt. Nebo for about two years.  She then became a devoted member of Macedonia Baptist Church under the pastorate of John L. Brooks till her homegoing.

She leaves to always cherish her memory: her siblings, Glen Whitney (Rita), James Whitney (Tressa) and Shirley Caldwell (Eddie); sisters-in-law, Alma Whitney (Carl), Carrie Whitney (Harry), Phyllis McDowell; brothers-in-law, Andrew Caldwell (Deloris), Raymond Shurn, Roy Shurn, Alphonso Robinson; grandchildren, Iland, Bianca and Royal Shurn, and Debra Berymon; nieces, Carla Lee, Sherrie Whitney, Murielisa Smith, Lorna Caldwell, Edrica Mack, Cherylette Caldwell, LeAnna Caldwell, Chirina Perry, Jamie Whitney, LaShawnda Whitney, JuVonda Whitney, Lisa Carter and Michelle Hill; nephews, Glendal Whitney, Toni Whitney, Derrick Redmond and many, many other family members, friends and best friends, Mae Ross-Hatton, Ann Charvis, Vonnie & Michelle Ware and Servina Willis.

Services for Mrs. Shurn will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday, June 28, 2019, at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church.  Burial Mt. Moriah Cemetery.   Friends may call from 9:00 A.M. until service time Friday at the church.

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