Joyce Strong

Mrs. Joyce A. Strong, age 54 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Thursday, July 15, 2010, at St. Mary's Health Center. She was born September 24, 1955, in Osage County, Mo., the daughter of Loyd A. and Viola C. Baumhoer Cassmeyer. On September 11, 1999, in Jefferson City, Mo., she married James R. Strong II. A lifelong resident of the Jefferson City area, Joyce was a 1973 graduate of Helias High School. She attended Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield. Joyce was employed with the Missouri Division of Family Services and as a legal assistant with several Jefferson City law firms and the Missouri Supreme Court. For the past 12 years, she was employed as a loan officer with Rural Missouri, Inc. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, the Immaculata Club, and the Helias Mother's Club. Joyce enjoyed spending time with and cooking for her family and friends. She was always involved with her children supporting them at baseball games, project graduations, and many other activities. She was an avid shopper who always loved buying shoes. She also enjoyed reading and traveling. Survivors include: her husband, James R. Strong II; one son, Brian Rice of Jefferson City, Mo.; one daughter, Kelly Rice and her fiancE, J. Christopher Schneider of Columbia, Mo.; her parents, Loyd and Viola Cassmeyer of Jefferson City, Mo.; three sisters, Darlene Muessig and her husband Matt of Jefferson City, Mo., Barbara Kliethermes and her husband Greg of Jefferson City, Mo., and Donna Withouse of Jefferson City, Mo.; one brother, Carl Cassmeyer and Vicki of Westphalia, Mo.; one step-daughter, Nikki Strong of Jefferson City, Mo.; two step-sons, Jamie Strong and Stewart Strong, both of Jefferson City, Mo.; and one step-grandson, Braydon Pemberton. She was preceded in death by one brother, Michael Cassmeyer, on July 2, 1972, and one brother-in-law, Stacy Withouse, on May 25, 1988. Visitation will be at Freeman Mortuary from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Monday with a prayer service to be conducted at 3:30 p.m. in the Freeman Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 20, 2010, at Immaculate Conception Church with Monsignor David Cox and the Reverend Brendan Doyle concelebrating. Entombment will be held in the Mausoleum of Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation or Helias Catholic High School. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com