Joyce A. Hanks

Joyce A. Hanks, of Steelville, Missouri, was born on January 17, 1948, in Keysville, Missouri. She departed this life unexpectedly on December 20, 2025, at the age of 77, having just enjoyed a beautiful evening viewing Christmas lights with her beloved family—an activity that filled her heart with joy.

Joyce was united in marriage to Earl J. “Brigg” Hanks on September 17, 1988, in Steelville, where their love blossomed and grew.

A proud graduate of the Steelville High School Class of 1965, Joyce dedicated many years to her career, starting at Brown Shoe Company, then serving as a legal secretary at Woodward & Paulus Law Firm, and most recently, working at Bell & Bell Law Firm. Joyce was a woman of deep faith and strong family values; her children and grandchildren were her greatest treasures. She had a passion for people watching and enjoyed attending concerts and shows at the Meramec Music Theatre.

Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Carl and Edith (Dicus) Hardin, her husband Earl J. “Brigg” Hanks, and several siblings: Danny Hardin, Clarence Eugene (Geraldine) Dicus, Donald and Dewayne Hardin, along with her grandchildren Richard White Jr., Rebecca Wild, and Earl Junior Wheeler Hanks.

She leaves behind a loving family that includes her children: Donna (David) Chandler-Hanks of Steelville, Lisa (Heath) Wells of Edgar Springs, Kimberly (Patrick) Wild of Leasburg, Elizabeth “Betsy” (Doug) Bennett of Keno, Oregon, Kevin Ware of Fulton, and Lloyd (Christine) McKenna and Shawn (Donna) McKenna of Prophetstown, Illinois. Joyce’s legacy continues through her grandchildren: David “DJ” Hanks, Daniel Hanks, Heather (Jorge) White, Tyler (Stormey) Wells, Alexis (Kevin) Moore, Andrea Wild, Ashlee Wild, Joey Wild, Dominic Wild, Michael (Sarah) Bennett, and Krystle Ransom. her siblings Sandy (Earney) Zulpo of Rosati, Joe (Barb) Hardin of Union, Dennis (Vivian) Hardin of Steelville, Jeannette Wisdom of Steelville, Jerry Hardin of Cuba; along with ten great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and countless friends.

A prayer service will be held in her honor on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at 1:45 p.m., followed by visitation from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Mizell Funeral Home & Crematory.

A Funeral Mass celebrating her life will take place on Monday, December 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Cuba with Father Mark Smith as the celebrant, with interment to follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Steelville, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, the family warmly welcomes memorial contributions to the Lifeline Pregnancy Center, 201 Lucia Ave., Cuba, Missouri 65453.

The Mizell Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the family of Joyce A. Hanks. Her spirit will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those she loved and who loved her dearly.