Joyce Lea Cook

Joyce Lea Cook, known affectionately as Joy to her friends and family, passed away on May 17, 2025 at Foxberry Terrace in Webb City. Born on February 23, 1934, in Lanagan, Joyce lived a spirited, loving, and compassionate life, making a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Joyce was a loyal friend and neighbor, always ready for a good gossip session or a friendly game of cards. She had a green thumb and a heart to match, tending to her garden with as much care and attention as she did her relationships. Joyce was also a master in the kitchen, her canning and cooking skills were refined in Duquesne, where she resided for over 60 years. Her hootenannies were the highlight of the social calendar, and her wagon rides brought joy and laughter to young and old alike.
Despite her various interests, what mattered most to Joyce was her family. Widowed, but never alone, Joyce's love for her son and late husband was a beacon that guided her every action.
She was preceded in death by her husband Robert "Bob" Cook; her son Robert "Rob" Cook; a step-daughter Rita Shupp; a grandson Steven Haver; a great-grandson Dalton Candeleria; her twelve brothers and sisters; and two lifelong friends JoAnn and Bonnie. She is survived by her daughter Nancy Cook Allen of Webb City; daughter-in-law Marla of Lampe; grandchildren Justin (Liea) Cook of Lampe; Julie Wendt of Alba; Christi Hoagland of Webb City; Chuck (Sandy) Shupp of Alba; Craig Hoagland of Carl Junction; and Stefanie (Hal) Simpson of Webb City; great-grandchildren Chad Erwin, Ashley (Bain) Edens, Austin (Amanda) Simpson, Bethany Hoagland, Adam Simpson (Taylar Morrow), Weston Wendt, and Maci Cook; and two great-great-grandchildren Jack and Wylder Simpson.
Joyce's life will be celebrated with a visitation on Friday, May 23rd at Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City from 6-7pm. Funeral services will be held at 10am on Saturday, May 24th at Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City, with Dustin Burdin officiating. Private interment will be held at Owsley-Union Cemetery near Longview.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Joplin Humane Society in Joy's memory, in care of the funeral home.
Services are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home. The family encourages relatives and friends to continue to celebrate Joyce's life by visiting www.simpsonfh.com to share photos and memories of their loved one. We invite you to remember Joyce not with sadness, but with the same compassion and warmth she brought to every life she touched.