Ida Joyce Brown-Cain (Bolivar)

Ida Joyce Brown departed this life on November 21, 2024, peacefully, surrounded by friends and family. Some might say it was a lengthy battle with COPD, but we all know the recent election results might have had something to do with it. Born on March 5, 1949, to William Thompson and Doris Thomspon of Niangua, Missouri, Joyce’s life changed at an early age due to the untimely death of her father. Years later, Doris married Robert Gorman, a wonderful man and dedicated father.

In high school, Joyce set her sights on Carl Brown of Niangua and was determined to become his wife. Her well-hatched plan turned into reality, and they married on September 9, 1967. They soon decided to start a family and had two wonderful children, Rydell Brown and Julie Brown-McCormick. Joyce and Carl were inseparable; when you saw one, the other was right there. They enjoyed gardening, spending time by the pool, and home remodeling, especially wallpapering, which always started a heated argument. And everyone knows who won those arguments. Through the years, Carl and Joyce saw many changes including moving to Lincoln, Nebraska, then Kansas City, Missouri.

Sadly, Carl passed suddenly on August 25, 1995. The loss left Joyce with such sadness, shock, and despair. Joyce grieved the loss, literally up until her last breath. After several years, Ida regained her smile, building a network of friends, and began life again, moving to Saint Joseph, Missouri. Joyce enjoyed dancing, float trips—yes, it’s hard to imagine. Since Joyce wasn’t an avid canoer, she found a spot in the back of the canoe, her cigarette in one hand and cocktail in the other, in typical Joyce fashion.

In early 2002, Joyce met Gary Franklin Cain, and the bond and love were immediate. On October 4th, Gary decided to commit to joining this crazy clan, and our family was complete. Gary and Joyce shared a love that was indescribable and undeniable. Gary and Joyce soon purchased a travel trailer and spent many weekends at the lake. They loved dancing and spending time at their daughter’s house in KC. Every trip to KC was an adventure, from burning a hole in my brand-new rug to breaking the toilet seat, and many other funny shenanigans. Joyce and Gary often traveled with their daughter Julie and daughter-in-law, Dawn, and became absolute best friends. The best times were often spent having cold beers on the patio, listening to classic country music, and two-stepping.

Joyce had an undeniable aura; she could turn a room with her sparkling personality, quick wit, and humor. If a book was written on Joyce’s life, no doubt it would be a bestseller. We always joked that we could make a reality show and become instant millionaires. So many funny things happened over the years you couldn’t help but think, “OK, where is Alan Funk, and is this an episode of Candid Camera?” Joyce was a fantastic person, mother, and wife. If you were lucky enough to know Joyce, then you know what a gift she was. The best part of Ida Joyce was the love she gave to her two daughters; she gave more than anyone could ever imagine, teaching them how to become independent strong women, who weren’t afraid to tell it like it is. Joyce is free from pain, sadness, and suffering, and has now entered the Golden Palace in the sky. I’m sure her first question was, “Can you point me to the smoking section, please?”

I hope this gave everyone a laugh and memory of Joyce; it was kept light-hearted and funny. Exactly how she would have wanted.

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