Joy J. Casada

Joy Juanita Casada, age 81, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at Capital Region Medical Center. She was born on August 29, 1939, in Odessa, Wash., the daughter of Frank Harlan and Violet Margarite (Thompson) Chandler. Her family returned to Anderson, Mo. when she was a year old. Joy attended the New Bethel School (a one room school) for her first, second and third grades. The New Bethel School was consolidated into the Anderson School District at the beginning of her fourth-grade year. She graduated from Anderson High School in 1957 as class salutatorian then went on to attend Joplin Junior College, currently known as Missouri Southern State University. Joy retired January 1, 2002, after twenty-six and a half years with the Missouri Department for Higher Education where she served as Executive Secretary to the Commissioner of Higher Education and Secretary to the State Coordinating Board for Higher Education. Other places of employment included the Newton County Welfare Office, University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, Ralston Purina Company in Springdale, Ark.s, Lone Jack Public Schools, California Public Schools and the Missouri National Guard Association. Joy was a member of Jefferson City Eagle's Auxiliary #2693 and served as Madam President as well as several other offices. She was also a member of the Society of Government Meeting Professionals. While living in the Anderson area, Joy attended the New Bethel Church and was baptized in Buffalo Creek. Joy was always well put together, complete with matching outfit, jewelry and handbag. She was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs and the Mizzou sports teams. She loved to play pitch and dominoes and kept her mind sharp by working her daily crossword puzzles and reading. Joy was an excellent host and enjoyed entertaining family and friends. Survivors include her sons, Steven Casada (Kelly) of Park Hills, Mo. and Scott Casada of Jefferson City, Mo.; her grandchildren, Adam Casada and Kelsey Casada (Garland); her great-grandchildren, Roman Dickson and Aiden Dickson; her former daughter-in-law, Tina Robinson; her siblings, Jack Chandler (Bobbi) of Madison, Ala., Judy Wolfe of Southwest City, Mo., and Norma Mills (Mick) Dacatur, Ark.; nine nieces and nephews, Becky Gordon (Brett), Kathy Garcia (German), Rick Chandler, Eric Wolfe, Mark Wolfe, Michele Hurst (Dusty), Rocky Mills (Dana), Justin Mills, Raegena Davis (Jake). Other survivors include 20 great-nieces and nephews, 14 great-great- nieces and nephews, and numerous cousins, extended family members and friends. Joy was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Margarite Chandler, and a brother-in-law, Charles Wolfe. A brief prayer service to celebrate Joy's life will be held at 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at Freeman Mortuary with a visitation to begin immediately following the service and lasting until 7:00 p.m. Graveside services and interment will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 24, 2021, at New Bethel Church Cemetery near Anderson, Mo. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the American Heart Association of Missouri and can be sent to P.O. Box 95, Jefferson City, MO 65202. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com