Joy Cole, 86, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Monday, February 12, 2024, at her home surrounded by family.
She was born on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1937, to Hugh E. and Julia F. (Norris) Taylor in Savannah, Missouri.
She graduated from Savannah High School, and later earned an undergraduate degree in psychology from Missouri Western State University and a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the University of Missouri- Kansas City.
Joy married Billy Dean Cole on May 27, 1955. After 67 years together, Billy preceded her in death on October 18, 2022.
She worked as a counselor for Catholic Charities and was a member of the Wyatt Park Baptist Church.
Joy was the youngest of ten children, all who preceded her in death.
She loved her family and all of its’ activities. Christmas was her favorite holiday as it brought the entire family together each year. Joy also took great pride in her immaculate garden and had a great appreciation of nature.
Survivors include her children, Dr. Nancy Stonner (Kevin), Norma Cole (Dr. Tom McCarthy), Mary Cole Benson (Todd), and Thomas Cole (Katherine); grandchildren, Geoffrey Stonner, Eric Stonner (Annalisa), Keegan (Chelsea) and Kyle McCarthy (Jennifer), and Abigail Cole and Adam Cole; and great-grandchildren, Kaela and Kinley McCarthy, Breclan and McKenna McCarthy, and Henry, Michael and Samuel Stonner.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 1:00 P.M. Saturday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, for family and close friends. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends one hour prior to the service, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Memorial contributions can be made to Mosaic Hospice. The family would also like to extend its’ gratitude to Dr. William Rippe for his ongoing care and Mosaic Hospice for care in Joy’s final weeks. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
