Obituary
Joy Graham, 65, passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2026. She was born in Moberly, MO.
Joy graduated from Pleasant Hill High School in 1979. Following graduation she worked as an in home daycare provider, and as a paraprofessional for the LS R-7 School District for several years at Richardson Elementary School. On July 9th, 1983 Joy was united in marriage to Bruce Graham at the First Presbyterian Church in Lee’s Summit. Their bond was unbreakable for 43 years, 2 months and 18 days.
Joy was a loving and devoted wife, mother and Grammie. She enjoyed spending time with her family and watching her beloved KC Chiefs. She was an exceptional quilter, a phenomenal cook and an outstanding gardener who spent many hours canning all sorts of vegetables, sauces and pickles with Bruce. Joy was a friend to many and welcomed everyone warmly to the home. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Lee’s Summit. Upon retirement she focused her attention on her passion for quilting and her “grand girls.”
Joy is survived by her husband Bruce Graham of the home, sons Brandon McLagan, wife Jess, John Graham, wife Tracy and Joseph Graham. Grandchildren Blake McLagan, Tess Heiserman, Gracelyn & Flannery Graham. And her 2 dogs, Sadie and Charly.
As Joy requested she will be cremated and interment will be at a later date. There will be a private memorial service for Joy’s family and close friends in the upcoming days.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that any contributions in Joys memory be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research.
So very sorry to hear of your loss.
I am so very sorry for your loss! I met Joy briefly when I worked at the kindergarten center in Webb City. She was just the kindest, sweetest lady, she trained me and I immediately took to her warm personality!! After she moved away I have followed her on FB, I will miss that ❤️🙏
Joy was a guiding light to so many. Her warmth and caring spirit made her a special person. She touched the lives of those with whom she worked and knew. She will be dearly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Brandon & family I am so sorry for your loss
Please let us know if you need anything, Take care !
Dear Joseph and family, sending you my deepest condolences on the passing of your mother. While I never met her, I know how much she meant to you. Please know I am holding you and your family close in my thoughts and heart.
Bruce, I’m so sorry to learn of Joy’s passing. You and Joy are in my thoughts and prayers.
I worked with Joy at Truman School in Cedar Rapids Iowa..she was so much fun. I’m so sorry for your loss..I loved her!!
I worked with Joy at Madge T James Kindergarten. I am so sad to hear about Joy. She was such a sweet friend and I am so thankful I got to know her. I am thinking and praying for all the family during this difficult time.
I think my heart has skipped a beat as I just learned of Joys passing ! 💜
My condolences to everyone in the family and all friends !!! Prayers for All !!! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 I met Joy in the 8th grade when we moved from N.O., La. to Strasbourg,Mo. She was always so Kind and Sweet !!! May God give you all strength and comfort in these very difficult times!
“Thinking of you, Bruce, and the entire family during this difficult time. Joy’s warm personality and bright spirit touched so many lives. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers from afar. DMG
Words are not possible to describe the thoughts I have for the loss of Joy. If any of my family can do anything to help, please contact us.
Danny Sturgeon
So sorry for your loss, Graham family. Joy was so kind, loving, and welcoming. My sincere sympathies to the family. In high school, Joy and Bruce welcomed me into their home, along with all of Joe and John’s friends. Joy always took the time to see how I was doing, to encourage me, and give advice. Bruce, your and Joy’s love for one another, and the way you prioritized family, have always stuck with me. Thank you for that example. Joe, my sincerest sympathies for your loss, brother. You’re all in my prayers.
I am sorry for your loss. Saying prayers of comfort for all who loved her.
Dear Bruce and family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Joy was an amazing woman and my very special friend. She loved being a wife, mother and Grammy. She will be dearly missed.
My heart breaks for all of you…
We are saddened to hear of your loss. Our condolences to the family.
My heart goes out to the Graham family at this time. I’m so sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my prayers.
She was amazing and oh that smile. She was loved so much. She would fill in memories of the ones I forgot. And oh the stories she would tell of our families past. Every year I would get so excited for April to come because I knew I would see her for the Quilt fair. She and I became closer throughout the past few years. She was like a big sister rather than cousins. I will miss her so much
To Bruce and every loved one of Joy’s, it’s been many many years, but I want to convey my deepest condolences for the loss of this sweet, “joyful”, and kind heart. I will always remember her kindness.
Jim A.
Looking at this picture of Joy one can see the beauty of spirit and warmth to all she met. To have Joy for a co-worker, s friend and support to all students, and the sparkle in her eyes when speaking of her four boys was a wonderful time for all of us. God bless you all.