Joyce Elaine (Burton) Cates age 71 of Clinton Missouri went to see her heavenly father on September 27, 2020 at Research Medical Center Kansas City Missouri. Funeral services will be Thursday October 1, 2020 at 11am at the Vansant-Mills Funeral Home Clinton Missouri. Family will receive friends from 10 - 11am Thursday at the Funeral Home. Cremation to follow. Memorial contributions to the Joyce Cates Memorial in care of Vansant-Mills Funeral Home.

Joyce was born on April 19, 1949 in Abilene Kansas. Daughter of Raymond and Norma J (Beasucker) Burton. Joyce married Harry Lee Cates and lived in Clinton Missouri. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents Raymond and Norma Jean (Burton) Cates, one sister Lavonne Franks, One daughter Theresa Baxter, and one nephew Curtis Dimmick.

Joyce is survived by her husband Harry Cates Sr. of the home, One brother Dwayne Burton and wife Nancy of Pheonix Arizona, one sister Juanita Dimmick and husband Charles of Crosby North Dakota, Her children Steve Hurley of Crosby North Dakota, daughter Melody Wynn and husband Alvin of Lee's Summit Missouri, son Harry Cates Jr. and wife Tommie of Clinton Missouri, daughter Deenanna Cates of Gainesville Missouri, and daughter Sabrina Williams. Along with her children she is survived by six grandchildren Dommic Hurley, Blake Hurley and wife Cadence, Kelsa Jones, Amber Cates, Brandon Cates, and Brandy Redburn; and blessed with eight great-grandchildren Madden and Maverick Hurley, LaMaya Jones, Blaze and Bruno Redburn, and Elizabeth, Renea, and Gabriel Schalk; and six nephews.

Joyce was a loving wife of thirty years married to Harry Cates on January 12, 1991. Joyce loved Harry and her family with all her heart. The only love that was stronger than that of family was her love of Christ, being a member of Allen Street Baptist Church for several years. Joyce was a lifetime member of the Eagles Aerie 3667 Auxillary holding the office of president for three years , and state trustee for one. Joyce was also a lifetime member of the Post 1894 Auxillary serving as president in 2007-2008. Joyce loved cooking for family and friends, some of the fondest memories are of her cookies and apple butter at Christmas.

Fly high with the angels until we all meet again.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton Missouri.