Joyce M. Figg, 86, of Marshall, MO, died Thursday, May 25, 2023, at University Hospital in Columbia, MO. She was the oldest child of James Ervin Oden and Sarah Louella (Bowman) Oden, though everyone knew them as Mike and Tootie. Joyce was born near Sumner, Missouri, in the later years of the Great Depression. In the years that followed her mom had four more children. They were salt of the earth, hardworking people, and Joyce grew up helping her dad on the farm and her mom raise 4 siblings.
Joyce graduated from Hale High School in 1955, then married Donald E Figg, also of Hale. They moved to Kansas City to raise a family, but certainly never really left their family and friends around Hale. They had 3 children, James M. Figg (Mick), Dennis E. Figg, Sara J. (Figg) Gillilan. She raised them to follow their own dreams. Mick graduated from Grandview High School, served in the US Air Force for 6 years, and became a truck driver. Dennis shared her love of nature and the outdoors, studied fish and wildlife management at the University of Missouri, eventually becoming a wildlife professional with the Missouri Department of Conservation. Sara inherited her mother’s love of sports and excelled in athletics just like her Mom. This led to a career in education and coaching which Joyce followed faithfully through the years.
Joyce loved flowers, and flower gardens, and children (of all ages). Her children remember her as a school bus driver and childcare provider (babysitter in those days). In addition to raising her own children, she offered home and heart to many others through the years. During her years in Marshall she helped Tom Forqueran raise Jamie and Missy, and then Missy’s son Skyler. She gave her love freely and she meant it and there are more than a few people who consider her a second mom. She nurtured so many children it’s difficult to count them all.
Sisters Colleen Brown and Donna Sue Oden have passed away in recent years. Her brothers are retired for the most part. Mike lives near Branson. Jim and his wife Karen live in Belton. Mick passed away a year ago after a long illness. Dennis is retired from the Missouri Department of Conservation and a garden service business. He lives on a small farm near Jefferson City with his partner Mike Brock. Sara is retired from teaching and coaching at Hale High School. She and her husband Jim Gillilan live in Chillicothe. Sara and Dennis both have children and grandchildren. Joyce leaves behind 4 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and a wonderful assortment of loved children.
Joyce had a lifelong love of gardening, particularly flower gardens. Both Dennis and Sara are known for growing flowers in abundance. In her later years the love of flowers became her last remaining passion. And loving Frank. Late in life Joyce met Frank Williams and he was her faithful loving partner till the day she died. He and his daughter Charla remain in Marshall with many close friends.
People who wish to leave something in her name are encouraged to donate to Hale R-1 School. Otherwise, the family suggests that you plant a tree, send flowers to someone you love, or give flowers to someone who might need to feel loved and not forgotten. Everyone who knew Joyce felt the warmth of her heart and you should pass it on.
Friends and family are invited to a life celebration at Sumner Community Center, Sumner, Missouri, on Saturday, June 24, 2023. There will be light food and ice tea from 1:00 till 3:00, followed by a private burial service at Lakeside Cemetery.
Friends and family may sign the online register book at www.campbell-lewis.com.