Elizabeth "Joy" Johnson

Elizabeth “Joy” Johnson, 86, of Kirksville, MO, embraced the loving arms of her beloved husband “Tick” and entered the presence of heaven on July 12, 2021.

Born Elizabeth Joy York in the small town of Mark, IA. Joy was the 2 ^nd born child of Beatrice Bernice & Ewell York. She and Tick raised 5 daughters who survives them: Brenda Kaye Johnson of Kirksville, MO, Beth Renee Fittro of Marshfield MO, Danita Lynn Roberts (husband Mike) of Bloomfield IA, Janell Bea Pottorff of Bloomfield IA, and Jill Susanna Felice (husband Tony) of Kirksville, MO. She was also survived by 9 grandchildren to Brenda: Stelyanos Kus Panos (wife Tiffany), Nicolas Brendan Panos (wife Kristy), Keith Alan Wilson (wife CeCe) & Kalaeb James Wilson. To Beth: Justin Paul Yates (wife Kara), Linsey Renee Worden (husband Brian), Alizabeth Janell Cloud (husband Dewey). To Jill: Anthony Bernard Felice IV (wife Tonya) & Dylan Dean Felice. She was also blessed with 17 great grandchildren: Regan, Rylynn, Regas, Rydley, Reese, Lucia, Jaxon, Adriella, Brady, Tristan, Briley, Lynnae, Dewey III, Libby, Brentley, Adilynn & Anthony V.

Joy is survived by sister Donna Lea Lanman, Richard Ewell York (wife Sherri), John Dale York (wife DeAnn).  She is proceeded in death by her husband Edsel DeWayne Johnson, son in law Kelly Duane Pottorff, Brother Gerald C York & wife JoAnn York, brother-in-law Garry Lee Lanman, great grandson Constondinos Dewayne Panos, great granddaughter Libby Susanna Fittro, Katie Elizbeth Fittro.

As the matriarch, Joy was a strong loving pillar of strength. She inspired, encouraged, and guided her family with biblical truth and her faith in God.  She was like an evangelist on wheels to everyone she met.

She was an active member of the Mark Baptist Church her entire life. Joy found her purpose through various church ministries, including Sunday school teacher, VBS organizer, church decorator and pioneering the bus ministry to name a few.

She cherished her life on the farm and raising their five daughters with Tick.  Those who had the honor to know her experienced her love for life and generous spirit. We are all grateful to have known her, loved her, and been loved by her.

A special thank you to the many Kirksville businesses and their employees that made Joy feel special while shopping and serving her lunch. Bakers Smoke house, Pancake City, Rosie’s Cafe, Sieren’s Palace, and many Walmart employees. You all loved on her, and she loved you.

Joy’s family is following her wishes to be cremated and no formal service will be held. Her immediate family will gather for a celebration of her life.

The Joy Johnson "Evangelist on Wheels" memorial, to be given to the Mark Baptist Church Missions.

Arrangements in the care of Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home; www.davisplaylehudsonrimer.com.