Kathryn Joyce Mayeaux (Pickering)

Well, if you are reading this, I am gone… that is how Kathryn Joyce (Pickering) Mayeaux wanted her obituary to begin. She was born in Topeka KS on November 7,1928, Joyce grew up on a farm in Americus, KS. She was raised by her grandmother and uncle Kenneth while her mom worked several hours away. Joyce attended Americus Grade School for grades K-11 and graduated early, moving to Emporia to work and eventually to Kansas City, MO. She worked at the Salvation Army during WWII. Joyce met her future husband William (Mel) while working at her mother’s restaurant (Doc and Bessie’s). After Mel ate the rock-hard pancakes, she cooked she knew that he was the one for her. Joyce and Mel had 7 children and raised them with lots of love on a shoestring budget encouraging the kids to pursue their various interests. Holidays were a house full of people, food and laughter. When her children were young Joyce went to work for the IRS and loved it eventually rising to management. Joyce was an Ovarian Cancer survivor and credits Dr Davidner and his treatment with saving her at a time when that diagnosis was a death sentence (1977). Joyce also loved all of the friends she and Mel had throughout the years. They had many happy times and vacations with their friends- the Browns, Mayers, Stackers and Wenzels, along with Tom and Betty Dewey and Joe and Carol Barnett. Joyce is preceded in death by her grandmother, mother, and her loving husband Mel as well as three of her children (Eileen (Ron) Manes, Dennis (Terri) Mayeaux and Melissa Mayeaux. She leaves her loving children, Melanie (Kevin) Crews, John (Cheryl) Mayeaux, Jim (Rita) Mayeaux and William (Yoshiko) Mayeaux along with 9 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. She also leaves her beloved cats. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 8, 2022 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO 64055 with burial to follow in Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 6 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday evening at the chapel. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Cancer Action, Spay and Neuter KC or KC Hospice. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)