Joyce C. Emerson

Joyce Carol Emerson, age 81, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, June 15, 2023, after spending the last three years in memory care at Brandon Woods at Alvamar, in Lawrence, KS.

Born on February 22, 1942, to Arthur and Carrie Longhofer, Joyce grew up an only child in Wichita, KS, and attended Wichita Southeast High School.

Joyce married the love of her life, Wes Emerson, on February 19, 1976. Together, Joyce and Wes built a family and a business. They delighted in their three children and seven grandchildren. Starting in 1988, they developed Azomite Mineral Products and the company remains a mainstay in agriculture around the world today. They made dear friends everywhere they went and lived in the Kansas City area, Branson, MO, Colorado Springs, CO and Wichita, KS, and frequented the family trout farm in Ava, MO.

Joyce was gracious, witty, creative, and wise. She enjoyed reading, entertaining, and playing cards. She was a member of her local PEO chapter. She was a brilliant host – a great cook, warm, and welcoming. She loved Christmas, KU Jayhawks, shopping, bunnies, Colorado peaches, Elvis Presley, the color blue, flowers, a good hamburger, and any excuse to give a gift. She loved fine things, but more importantly, she loved fine people. She was a thoughtful friend, a devoted wife, a caring mother, and an engaged Nano. She made the people around her feel seen and heard. She had a strong faith that lasted the test of time, and dozens of handwritten prayers could be found on sticky notes tucked in her bible.

Joyce is survived by her son, Jeff Long (Allison) of Lawrence, KS and their children, Katherine Faulkner (Derek) of Kansas City, MO and their daughter, Rylie, and Jackson Long (Shannon) of Dallas, TX and their daughter, Wesley Kate; son, J. Scott Emerson (Michelle) of Leawood, KS and their children, Matthew, Grace and Jonathan Emerson of Leawood, KS; and daughter, Jody Adams (Chris) of Rockwall, TX and their children, Hannah Williams (Brandon) of Lawrence, KS, and Paden Adams of Denver, CO.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to KU Endowment, P.O. Box 928, Lawrence, KS 66044, to benefit Alzheimer’s and Dementia Research. Online donations may be made at www.kuendowment.org/give . Please indicate that gifts are for the Joyce Emerson memorial.

Please join the family in celebrating Joyce on Saturday, August 5 from 2-5 PM at Arterra Event Gallery, 2161 Quail Creek Dr, Lawrence, KS. A service of celebration will begin at 2 PM with a reception to follow.