Carol Joyce (Joy) Goodrum, 87, of St. Louis, MO, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2025, and is now in her heavenly home. Born on July 15, 1937, to Glennon and Urilla Spinks in St. Louis, Joy lived a life filled with love, kindness, and faith.
A devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend, Joy was known for her generous spirit and deep love for others. She was a woman whose heart was open to all, always ready to lend a helping hand and offer a listening ear. Her unwavering faith and dedication to God were at the center of everything she did, and she leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion.
Joy had a life full of dedication and accomplishments. She began as an interior designer, later finding her true calling as an early childhood educator. She served as the house mother at Kemper Military School in Booneville for several years, organizing events, providing comfort and care to the students, and welcoming parents and prospective students during school events. One of her proudest achievements was serving as a house mother for the Chi Omega Sorority at Mizzou College, where she left a lasting impact on many young women. In her later years, she also served as a child advocate through CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), ensuring that there was a voice in the courts to protect and advocate for those too young to understand the proceedings and speak for themselves.
Joy volunteered for many years with the Head Start Foundation, visiting children in need. She was also an active, long-time member of a service sorority and an award-winning amateur photographer who exhibited her work in numerous shows. Adventurous and full of curiosity, she loved traveling throughout the United States and internationally and exploring new places.
Joy was preceded in death by her parents, her son Michael, and her siblings Ronnie and Holly. She is survived by many beloved family members, who will cherish her memory forever.
May the memory of Joy bring peace and comfort to all who were blessed to know her, serving as a tribute to a life filled with love and grace. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in her honor to the Wounded Warriors Project, an organization she supported for many years.
SERVICE: Graveside Burial Service – Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens Cemetery 2000 Pennsylvania Ave, St. Louis MO, 63133.
Memorial Mass – Thursday, February 6, 2025, at 10:00AM at Assumption Catholic Church at 4725 Mattis Rd., St. Louis, MO 63128
Dear Angie, what a beautiful tribute to your Grandma Joy. I see you in her lovely face. What a blessing that you could be there with her to ease her passing. May her kindness and love comfort you and guide you through these difficult days. She was truly a gift. We love you so much, Lynn, Richard, Austin, Denise and Hannah
Hi Lynn,
We haven’t had the chance to meet, but I’ve heard so much about you from Angie! I’m Danielle, Angie’s sister.
Thank you for your kind words about my grandmother—you’re absolutely right, she was truly a gift.