Joyce Yvonne Cranfill

Joyce Yvonne Cranfill, 94, of Smithton, MO, passed away on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at her home. She was born on May 10, 1930, in Springfield, IL, the daughter of Guy Emerson Kinner and Dorothy (Swingle) Kinner, who preceded her in death.

She was united in marriage to Robert Paul Cranfill on December 31, 1951, in Sedalia, MO, who preceded her in death on May 5, 2023.

Joyce attended elementary school in Concordia, MO, and graduated from Smith-Cotton High School in 1948. She was an active member of Bethel United Methodist Church, serving as secretary and as a member of UMW. Additionally, she was a past member of the Sedalia Business and Professional Women's Association. Her career started as a car hop at Garst Drive Inn alongside her twin sister. She also worked as an usherette at Fox Theatre in Sedalia and then at Housem Company before spending 54 years as a billing clerk at Central Missouri Electric Coop.

After retiring, Joyce enjoyed assisting her daughter at the Handel Haus in Cole Camp. She had a special love for animals, especially the family dog, Harvey. In her younger years, she found joy in roller skating, and later in life, she loved reading, watching mysteries, attending church, and spending time with family and family dinners, where her cheesy broccoli and rice casserole was a requested favorite of her granddaughters. She was known to them as "Granny".

Survivors include a daughter, Judy Lynn Smasal (Mike) Sedalia; twin granddaughters, Emily Smasal, of Nixa, MO, and Amanda Smasal (Eric Vaughan) of Lee's Summit, MO; a great-granddaughter, Maya Emily Vaughan; her twin sister, Janet Zimmer of the home; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Joyce was preceded in death by her son, Dennis Cranfill; three brothers, Robert, Dick, and Donnie Kinner; and a sister at birth, Norma Jean Kinner.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at Rea Funeral Chapel, with pastor Rusty Smith officiating.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the chapel.

The burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Sedalia, MO.

Honorary bearers will be Mike Smasal, David Staus, Glen Powell, Leonard Butler, Bob Knight, Jerry Thomas, and Eric Zimmer.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.