Joyce Elizabeth Catherine Johnson

Joyce Elizabeth Catherine Johnson, born Menard, age 75, passed away surrounded by her children at her home in Bonne Terre, Missouri on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

Joyce was survived by her three children, Delinda “Dee” Willmore (husband Phil), Dani Jo “DJ” Smith, Shawn Lee Martin (wife Vonessa), and 9 grandchildren: Chris Hulsey (wife Ashton), Todd Hulsey (fiancé Sakira), Jacob Smith (wife Stephanie), Briley Smith, Jobe Smith, Delaney Smith, Skylar Martin, Valerie Willmore (partner Dwayne), and Logan Willmore (fiancé Landry); and 6 great grandchildren Beckham Hulsey, Brooklyn Hulsey, Sophia Hulsey, Payton Davidson, Jackson Davidson and Lynley Willmore. She was also survived by her brother Ernie Grimm.

She was the daughter of the late Daisy Menard Grimm (born Steward) and Raymond Owen Louis Menard. She was born in St. Louis on Friday, January 27, 1950. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Johnson, her ex-husband and father of her children, Dan Martin, and her brothers Eddie Menard and Billy Grimm and her sister Emeta Menard.

Joyce made a beautiful home in East Bonne Terre, where she took joy in her birds, her maple trees, and waved to neighbors as they passed by. Just 4 feet 11 inches tall, she was a fierce presence—strong-willed, a wry sense of humor, and unapologetically herself. A survivor of the St. Louis foster care system, Joyce rose above early hardships to build the steady home she never had, and it was an anchor for her family. She suffered no fools (unless they were family), and her fierce loyalty and protective spirit defined her relationships. A spitfire on the outside but soft-hearted within, Joyce loved fishing, camping, and cheering for her favorite NASCAR drivers. She will be remembered for her strength, her grit, and the deep love she gave to those lucky enough to be hers.

“But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave for he shall receive me. Selah” Psalms 49:15

Celebration of Life will be held at C. Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Home in Bonne Terre on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM Inurnment to follow at Saint Francois Memorial Park in Bonne Terre.