Joan Vyree Powers

Joan Vyree Powers passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at the age of 92. She was born on December 18, 1930, to Albert Clinton and Emma (Williams) Decker in Waynesville, Missouri. She was united in marriage to Robert 'Bob' Bruce Powers on May 24,1951. They cherished 69 years together prior to his death on June 15, 2020.
Joan was also preceded in death by her parents and three sisters, Irene Miller, Jacquelyn Hogan, and Alberta Egan.
She is survived by eight children: Bruce Powers (Becky) of High Hill, Missouri; Beth Gillispie (the late Dr. John Gillispie) of Branson, Missouri; Jeff Powers (Tara) of Cedar Hill, Texas; Brian Powers of Branson, Missouri; Lori Johnson (Don) of Nixa, Missouri; Sally Meadows (Doug) of Branson, Missouri, Leslie DeJonge (David) of Ozark, Missouri; and Sara Vejraska (Joe) of Branson, Missouri; 28 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren.
Joan grew up in Waynesville, Missouri, and attended college at Southwest Missouri State College, where she met Bob and started her lifelong passion for caring for and educating children. She touched the lives of countless children and families through her many years of teaching at schools in St. Elizabeth, Tipton, and Branson before retiring in 1997. Despite her retirement from teaching, she continued to give back to the community by volunteering in the nursery at First Baptist Church of Branson.
In addition to her own eight children, many other family members and friends grew up knowing the love and care of this marvelous woman. She was always happy to see whoever walked through her door that was never closed (or locked until the last name was marked off the list). All that knew her would know that she always welcomed you into her home and offered you something to eat and a place to stay if needed. One of her greatest attributes was that she never judged. Her love was immense as she embraced all and found the value in each person she met; be it family, friend, student, or coworker.
The greatest love in her later years was her grandchildren. She loved to have the little ones playing and running through her home. Her grandchildren, and most recently her greatgrandchildren, spent many hours playing with monster trucks, video games, coloring pictures, or enjoying a game of wiffleball in the yard with their cousins. Seeing their faces and hearing their voices always brought a smile to her face. She will be greatly missed, as there will never be another one like Mom/Grandma/Joan!
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:
The Coach Bob Powers and Mrs. Joan Powers Scholarship Fund at College of the Ozarks, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or Shriners Hospitals for Children to carry on her legacy of education and caring