Joyce Elaine (Chamberlain) Shirkey of Springfield, MO passed away at the age of 86 on Sunday, May 7, 2023.

Joyce was born in Charlotte, Michigan on November 27, 1936 to Gertrude and Lyman Chamberlain, the third of five children.

Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, a son Kraig Shirkey, sisters Beverly (Gordon) Meeder and Sue Huffman, and brother Richard Chamberlain.

Joyce graduated from Charlotte High School in 1954 and Butterworth Hospital’s School of Nursing in 1957, and she worked for over 40 years as a Registered Nurse in many different settings.  She started her career as an ER nurse, then worked in a private clinic and as an industrial nurse, before settling in with the Springfield Public School system.  Joyce spent 20 years as a school nurse at Holland, Bingham, and Delaware Elementary schools.  Joyce was also a long-time member of the Missouri Association of School Nurses, and following her retirement she volunteered with the Springfield chapter of P.E.O.  In her spare time Joyce enjoyed hitting the links at Springfield Golf & Country Club, and attending events at Trinity Presbyterian Church.

Joyce is survived by her husband of 62 years, Gary; sons Kyle (Deborra) and Kurt (Judalyn); grandchildren Aiden, Deja, and Bb Earl; sister Ruth Sigler; nieces Susie Oliver, Nancy Folkertsma, Cindy Dunn (David); nephew Gary Meeder; and great-nieces Shannon, Kelly and Erin Dunn.

Cremation arrangements are by Greenlawn Funeral Home.  A memorial service for Joyce will be held on Friday, May 26 at 11:00am at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Springfield, MO.