Joyce Darlene (Lyons) Sells, 87, of Kirksville, MO passed away on January 23, 2021 surrounded by her family. She was born in Eagle Grove, Iowa at her Grandparents home on December 19, 1933 to Jamie and Don Lyons. Joyce went to Rowan school graduating as class valedictorian in 1951. After graduation she went to Iowa State Teachers College (UNI) where she obtained an elementary teaching certificate. On January 4, 1953 she married Gary Sells and they spent the next 68 years together including raising their four children.
Joyce continued her education while she raised the family and graduated in 1972 from TSU with her BA Degree. Joyce was very active when it came to keeping in touch with family and friends. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Kirksville. She had been president of UMW, a member of P.E.O., Sojourners, University Dames and various Bridge Groups. She enjoyed playing cards and square dancing and following her children and grandchildren as they participated in their school and sports activities. She also enjoyed following all sports and spent many hours watching games on TV.
Those preceding Joyce in death are her parents, brother Richard Lyons, step-father Don Mathiason, brother-in-law Gale Sells and sister-in-law Anita Sells.
Survivors include her husband, Gary of the home. Children, Dr. Linnette (Brian) Sells Vanderhoof of Atlanta, GA, Laurie (Russ) Knowles of Brookfield, MO, Mark (Susan) Sells of Rolla, MO and James (Julie) Sells of Moberly, MO. Grandchildren include Alex (Nicole) Stone of Atlanta, GA, Todd (Holly) Vanderhoof of Chattanooga, TN, Dr. Kendra (Bradley) Martin of Albia, IA, Benjamin Sells of Rolla, MO, Jacob (Marida) Sells of Cape Girardeau, MO, Marybeth Sells of St. Louis, MO, Elaina (Turner) Adams, Columbia, MO, Hannah Sells of Kansas City, MO and William Sells of Moberly, MO. Great grandchildren, Mitchell and Katie Stone of Atlanta, GA and Brett and Lily Martin of Albia, IA. She said her main interest in life was her family.
Visitation will be from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 26, 2021 with funeral service at 3:00 p.m. at Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home. Burial Will be in Park View Memorial Gardens in Kirksville.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Joyce’s memory are appreciated and can be sent to The Gary and Joyce Sells Scholarship Fund at Truman State University, 100 E. Normal Ave., Kirksville, MO 63501 or the First United Methodist Church, 300 E. Washington St., Kirksville, MO 63501.
Arrangements in the care of Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home in Kirksville, MO.