Eunice Joy Crockett

Eunice Joy Crockett, née Rees, of Lamar, MO, went home to her loving Heavenly Father on May 27, 2025.

She was the third of four children born to Bill and Melba Rees, missionaries to China, South Africa (where Joy was born), and Hong Kong. From early on, she preferred to go by her middle name, Joy, and she was certainly a joy to many who knew her through the years.

After completing her secondary school (equivalent to Jr. High and High School) education at King George V School in Hong Kong, she came to Missouri to study at Ozark Bible College (now known as Ozark Christian College), though she never went on for a degree. During her time in Joplin, MO, she worked first in the office at Revival Fires, and then in the mailroom/printshop at OBC.

In 1984, she married Dwight Dale Crockett, a cattle farmer near Lamar, MO, and was a longtime valued member of Bethel Church. In addition to the farm work, she learned the ropes of Tax Preparation, and only recently quit that as a paying job, though, in true helpful fashion, she was continuing to assist a few people with their taxes on an entirely voluntary basis.

She loved singing, especially singing the songs her husband wrote. After he was no longer alive for her to sing with him, she continued to sing them as special music, often accompanied by a recording of his singing.

Among her other activities, she was a volunteer in both the Lamar and Joplin offices of Hospice Compassus, and did various volunteer tasks for Stained Glass Theatre Joplin, including being recruited as a member of their board. Both of these ministries will now have big holes to fill.

She enjoyed making small handmade gifts for Christmas, and always seemed to be in the middle of some crocheting project. She crocheted many beautiful afghans for her family members and also made lap afghans for hospice patients. She even won some awards at the Lamar Fair for her crocheting.

Joy was predeceased by her parents and her beloved husband. She is survived by sons Butch (Elizabeth) Crockett of Springfield, Wes (Hope) Crockett of Lamar, and Adam Crockett of Lamar, and by numerous grandchildren. She was excited that great-grandchildren were now starting to arrive. Also surviving are siblings Ben (Karen) Rees of Hong Kong, Dan (Shy) Rees of Joplin, and Phoebe Rees of Joplin.

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that memorial gifts be made to her favorite ministries: Ozark Christian College, GNPI (Good News Productions International), or ARM Prison Outreach, all in Joplin.

The family will celebrate Joy's life at Oakton Church on Monday June 9, 2025 at 10:00 AM and invite you to gather and visit at 9:00 AM.