Joyce Virlee Todd

Throughout her life, Joyce Virlee (Sullivant) Todd advocated an attitude of “never give up”. She never complained, always maintaining an “it will be better tomorrow” outlook, even after many serious illnesses and eventually her battle with cancer. She died at her daughter’s home on December 19th, 2011.
Joyce Virlee Todd was born to James and Audrey Sullivant on January 31, 1927 in Mountain Grove, Missouri, Wright County. She married Ernie Clarel Todd on November 27, 1947, and they lived happily for 64 years. Their romance and relationship was one of mutual respect, admiration, trust and abundant love-a quintessential model for their children and grandchildren.
Joyce will be fondly remembered for dedicating her life to helping others and serving the Lord. Joyce taught at the following schools: Owens, Morning Sun and Willow Springs near Mountain Grove and Mountain Grove. Joyce was saved at the age of 8 during a revival at Friendship Baptist Church. Her dad and grandfather accompanied her to the altar. Claude Mustang was the evangelist. Being a pastor’s wife, she demonstrated her faith by rarely missing a service, playing the piano, and being active as a Sunday school teacher, and director of numerous Vacation Bible Schools and Christmas programs. The people of Friendship Baptist Church, East Lynne Baptist Church, Prairie Lee Baptist Church, Lynchburg Baptist Church, and Antioch Baptist Church were very special to her. Joyce raised her family the way she lived her life: with strong moral and Christian principles, teaching her children and grandchildren to put God and others before themselves. Joyce would often remind her children and grandchildren that showing kindness and love for others were the reasons for life.
Joyce dearly loved her family. She is survived by her devoted husband, Clarel and her four children: David and his wife, Carolyn of Mountain Grove, Debra(Todd) Slaughter and her husband, John of Liberty, Mo., Doretta (Todd) Willis and her husband, Harry of Mountain Grove, and Delesa(Todd) Dowden and her husband, Gene. Joyce was the proud and doting grandmother of 14 grandchildren: Adam Todd(Julia), Jonathan Slaughter(Amie), Tabitha Shaver(Jared), J. D. House(Ali), Matthew Slaughter, Edward House(Jenna), Heather Broome,(James), Emily Todd, Sarah Dierking(Bryant), Nathan Dowden, Caleb Dowden, Rachel Todd, Lisa Dowden, and Cassondra Dowden. She was a great -grandmother to 13: Jacob, Jovia, Jarica, Jeremiah, Morgan, Caitlin, Abigail, Leah, Josie, Kaylee, Karter, Kennedy, and Kamryn. Joyce is also survived by her siblings: Bob and Phyllis Sullivant, Mayvis(Sullivant) and Lyle Allen, Elizabeth(Sullivant) and Bill Walker, Sharon Sullivant, a sister-in-law, Julia Sullivant, several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends who will dearly miss her.
Besides her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her brother, Junior J. C. Sullivant.




A Tribute to Mother
How can one explain or describe a mother such as Joyce. She embodied love and life.
Mother made all those around her feel special, whether by making sure birthday cards arrived on his/her special day, or the warm greeting accompanied by a sweet smile and twinkle in her blue eyes representing the glow and happiness of life, the things she loved most. She had a phenomenal memory for dates and happenings. She could share with you specific details of the event, as if it happened only yesterday.
Mother was an avid gardener. She loved planting “peas exactly two inches apart”, picking the bountiful harvest and sharing with others, canning, freezing, pickling the fruits for future family dinners. Joyce was an excellent cook. Her bread, “buns”, was the highlight of meals. Chicken dumplings, blackberry cobblers, and angel food cakes were special treats for her grandchildren and children.
Mother loved the outdoors. She liked seeing growth, whether in plants, animals (her cows), or people. Yes, life was precious to Mother and not a single moment was to be wasted during the journey. Mom, you were an amazing lady, who taught us invaluable lessons to pass on to our children and their children. Thank you, Mother. We love you!


“I’d like the memory of me
To be a happy one
I’d like to leave an after glow
Of smiles when life is done.

I’d like to leave an echo
Whispering softly down the waves,
Of happy times and laughing
Times of bright and sunny days

I’d like the tears of those who grieve,
To dry before the sun,
Of happy memories that I leave
When life is done.
- - Dye


Grandmother, You’re an Inspiration

A grandmother’s love is a blessing that
Heaven has given to earth,
Making the family circle a place
Where children believe in their worth.

A grandmother’s faith is her treasure---
One she so graciously shares,
Helping you find your way, time after time,
By keeping you safe in her prayers.

A grandmother’s life is her gift to us,
Outshining the most brilliant star,
A true inspiration to all those who love her—
And Grandmother, that’s what you are.
American Greeting Cards

Funeral Service:
Friday, December

Visitation:
Thursday, December