Joyce Ann Gerdeman, 85, of Middletown, peacefully passed away on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at her home.
Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. on March 29, with visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of the service, at Myers Funeral Home in Middletown.
Joyce was born on February 25, 1940 in Fulton. She was the daughter of Willard and Wilma (Montgomery) Woodson.
Joyce and her family moved to Middletown in 1945, where she attended her early years of school. Joyce graduated from Wellsville-Middletown High School in 1958. Joyce had a wonderful childhood and loved growing up in rural Missouri. Joyce often spoke of how all the neighborhood kids played cops and robbers from sunrise to sunset. She reminisced about the fun times spent with the ‘Cherry Street Girls’ and her brothers and helping with the family business, Woodson Locker. After high school graduation, she attended Northeast Missouri State Teachers College and graduated, in 1962, with her teaching degree. Also, in 1962, Joyce married Gerald Lionberger and had one son, Michael Lionberger.
Joyce worked for 30 years as a physical education teacher for the Hazelwood School District. She taught at Bonfils Elementary School, Kirby Junior High and Hazelwood Central High School. She also coached many different activities at these schools. While at Hazelwood, Joyce’s love of teaching greatly impacted the lives of thousands of students. Her co-workers were some of her best friends and many of them traveled all over the world together.
In 1969, Joyce married George Gerdeman and had two children, Patrick and Carrie Gerdeman. Because of their shared passion for education, they dedicated the next 24 years to their students and co-workers. After her retirement in 1994, Joyce looked forward to meeting with her teacher-friends for luncheons and was a proud member of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association.
Joyce’s love of traveling really flourished as she was able to visit Africa, England, Ireland, Scotland, Greece, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia and many places throughout the U.S., Mexico and Canada. She had so many good memories, trinkets and pictures that she held dear.
As much as Joyce loved to travel, her favorite place was her home, “Jag Place.” She found her peace with the singing birds, beautiful scenery and abundant cardinals. She enjoyed shenanigans and beverages with her Yak-Yak girls on the JAG porch and Brenda’s lake. Joyce loved being outdoors, her dogs, walking in her pasture and simply living the “country life.”
Joyce was a lifelong member of the Middletown United Methodist Church, where she attended every Sunday with her mother. Joyce and her mother had a special bond. They spent many days on Wilma’s porch hosting friends, family and neighbors. Joyce was able to travel the open road with her partner, Bobby, and they enjoyed making frequent stops at different casinos across the country. If you knew Joyce, you know she always broke even! Joyce loved being involved in many community activities; including helping organize the Middletown Picnic.
Joyce was a pillar in her family and always put them first. She adored being a grandma and spending time with her grown children and their families. Joyce enjoyed attending many of the grandchildren’s events such as football, basketball, volleyball and softball games, track meets, tennis matches, concerts, ballet dances, tea parties, spa days and playing Barbies. She was everyone’s biggest cheerleader and would often be heard screaming and yelling at every event. Joyce was immensely proud of her entire family. Joyce cherished these memories, as will all of us. Joyce was a special lady and was able to positively impact so many lives. She kept her faith strong and cherished her relationship with God. We are looking forward to our new guardian angel. Enjoy your wings!
Joyce was preceded in death by her long-time partner Robert (Bobby) Utterback, parents Willard and Wilma Woodson, son Patrick, sister Wilma Fern Woodson, sister-in-law Betty Lou Woodson, niece Susan Woodson, nephew Michael Patrick and previous husbands Gerald Lionberger and George Gerdeman.
Survivors include one son, Michael Lionberger (Kimberly), of Wentzville; one daughter, Carrie Gerdeman (Shelly Wolfe), of Rapid City, S.D.; two step-daughters, Shelley Gerdeman and Charlotte (Peter) Edwards: two brothers, Robert “Bob” Woodson of Middletown and Harold “Chee” Woodson (Michelle) of Columbia; eight grandchildren, Jesse (Jenny), Zachary (Karly), Chad and Austin (Shannon) Lionberger, Brandon and Mady Wolfe and Myken and Tagyn Gerdeman; four great-grandchildren, Jett, Bodi, Madison and Lillie; and four nieces, Shelly Groteluschen, Jill Woodson, Megan Woodson and Christie Moore (David).
In lieu of flowers, the family would sincerely appreciate memorial gifts to the Pike County Home Health and Hospice. Donations may be sent in care of Myers Funeral Home, 203 E. Bates Street, Wellsville, MO 63384.
Condolences may be given at myersfuneralhome.biz.
