Joy Amon “JoJo” wemt to Heaven Friday April 11, 2014 after a lengthy illness.

The daughter of Floyd and Alrene (Anderson) Burke, she was born March 29, 1948 in Holston, Virginia.

JoJo is survived by two sons and a daughter-in-law, Dean Stephens of Kirksville, MO and Bobby “Bubba” and Holly Stephens of Brashear, MO; one daughter and son-in-law, Tammy and William Bunch of Kirksville, MO; son of the heart, Andy Jackson and wife Tina of Kirksville, MO; one brother, Jack Burke of Meadowview, VA; five sisters, B.J. Bare of Meadowview, VA, Rennie Hudson of Marcus Hook, PA, Polly Green of Kirksville, MO, Faye Burnett of Ridgecrest, CA and Mona Wykle of North Carolina; six grandchildren, Russell Tietsort Jr., Abby Lugo and Bobby, Janissa, Zack and Krista; six great-grandchildren, Olivia Lugo, Tyler and Haylee, Jack, Jimmy and Justin Hartry; grandchildren of the heart (her great nephews) Ryan, Brett, and Maddux Jackson, as well as numerous beloved nieces, nephews and cousins across the country.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Russ, Mack and Roy Burke and three sisters, Madeline Burke, Jean Jessee and Carrie Keys.

Joy and her three children moved to Missouri in 1968. She thanked God every day that she got to spend the better part of her life and raise her family here. She loved Missouri and was so proud to call it home.

Through the years Joy worked at several places, McGraws, Florsheim Shoe Factory, Hollister, Ortech, Coffee Cup Café, Northtown Café and Pancake City. She hadn’t worked for several years due to poor health.

To know Joy was to love her. She was one of the sweetest, kindest, best people that God ever created. She had a heart of gold and so enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. More than anything, she loved spending time with her family. She loved fishing, working in her flower gardens, feeding and watching the wild birds and watching and listening to nature.

Joy will be sadly missed by her family and many friends, but we know that some day we will see her again. Our loss is Heaven’s gain. Our world was so much better because she was in it.

It was Joy’s wish to be cremated and that no funeral service be held. There will be a celebration of Joy’s life on April 27, 2014 at 11:30 a.m. at Sugar Creek Community Church with lunch to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested that donations be made to Hospice of Northeast Missouri. Memorials may be left at the Sugar Creek Community Church or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.