Joyce May Sullins, of Crocker, was born on May 9, 1940, in Meta, Osage County, daughter of Edgar Lee and Minnie Sarah (Braiser) Prater and departed this life at 11:15 p.m., Thursday evening, December 30, 2021, at the Lake Regional Hospital after being admitted just two days prior. She was a resident of the Miller County Care Center and had attained the age of 81 years, 7 months, and 21 days.

Mrs. Sullins was united in marriage on June 25, 1965, at Iberia, to David Kenneth Sullins.

She accepted Jesus Christ at an early age. After her husband's ordination she served as a pastor's wife for over 20 years, in the Hawkeye Baptist Church, until he retired in 2015.

Joyce began her working career at the Brown Shoe Company, Dixon, where she worked for 12 years. She had a love for helping people and for several years she worked at Fry's Café, worked for Ronnie Skaggs at the grocery store, and at Andy's Short Stop where she helped with the buffet. She retired from her working career at Crocker Public School, where she was the head custodian.

She enjoyed yard sales and antique shopping, fishing, watching the Game Show Network, and playing Nintendo; but most of all she enjoyed visiting with her family, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren.

Those left to mourn the passing of Joyce include her husband of 56 years; David Kenneth Sullins, of the home in Crocker; one daughter and son-in-law, Carolyn and Mike Allen, Crocker; two sons and daughters-in-law, Dennis and Carol Ringer, Crocker, Rick and Lori Ringer, Crocker; six grandchildren, Holly Ringer, Nathan (Haydee) Allen, Erica (Trent) Harrison, Aaron (fiancé, Lori) Allen, Ashley (Joe) Burton and Kate (Benji) Ward; twelve great grandchildren, Isabel Rose, Zoe Mae, Charlie James, Henry Michael, Jacob Nathan, Laney Renee, Ely Ryan, Carter Reid, Cole, Clyde, Matthew, and Makayla.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; three brother, Earl Prater, James Prater, and Bill Prater; one sister, Shirley Kizer; one niece, Brenda Burgess; and one great-grandchild, Gavin Williams.

Visitation for Mrs. Joyce May Sullins will be at 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 4, 2022, in the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home, Crocker with her funeral service following at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel with Pastor Doug Jacobson of Eureka Baptist Church, Richland, MO, officiating.

Interment will be at the Crocker Cemetery, under the direction of Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home, Crocker. Pallbearers for Mrs. Sullins are Nathan Allen, Aaron Allen, Larry Prater, Trent Harrison, Ely Harrison and Artie Prater, and her honorary pallbearers are Danny Malone, Bruce Malone, Richard Prater, and Mike Prater.

Memorial contributions in memory of Mrs. Joyce Sullins are suggested to St. Jude Children's Hospital with envelopes available day of service at the funeral home or in care of Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home, 416 N Commercial St, Crocker, MO 65452