Sunrise: April 27, 1949; Sunset: August 13, 2026. With love and gratitude for a life well lived, we celebrate the life of Joyce K. Perkins, who was born in Great Bend, Kansas, to the late Oliver Hurd (Pensie) and the late Helen Thompson Hurd. She was educated in the Great Bend school system and graduated from Great Bend High School. In her later years, she returned to Metropolitan Community College-Penn Valley to pursue her passion for art. Through her dedication and perseverance, she earned academic honors and received numerous awards recognizing her exceptional artistic talent. During her studies, she was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, a testament to her outstanding academic achievement and commitment to excellence. For more than 40 years, Joyce shared her passion for cooking with family and friends. A gifted

professional cook,  she worked at the Hyatt Regency Hotel and managed the bakery department at Country Mart Grocery Store for over a decade. She became especially known for her delicious homemade breads, pastries, and other cherished recipes that brought joy to everyone who gathered around her table. She also possessed a remarkable artistic talent. Whether creating beautiful pottery or expressive acrylic paintings, her creativity reflected her unique spirit and left lasting memories for all who admired her work. Dedicated to serving others, she spent many of her younger years teaching arts and crafts to the elderly. She generously shared her knowledge and passion, enriching the lives of those she taught with encouragement, creativity, and compassion. Above all else, Joyce loved people. Her greatest joy was her family, and she treasured every moment spent with those she loved. Her kindness, warmth, and generous heart will forever be remembered. She was preceded in death by her children, Kevas Ballance and Larry Perkins Jr., and by her brother, Johnny Hurd, and Sister, Gloria Jean Mar. She leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving children: Anthony Hurd, Jawayne Ballance(Lekeya), and Monica Runnels. She is also survived by her siblings: Steven Hurd, Robert Hurd, Jeffrey Hurd (Debraniah), Elgie Hurd (Yolanda), and Tyrone Hurd. Her legacy continues through her 11 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, extended family, and countless friends whose lives were enriched by her love, compassion, and creativity. Though she has departed from this earthly life, her memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

A service will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Golden Gate Funeral & Cremation Services LLC, 2800 East 18th Street, KCMO 64127. The visitation will be held from 2:00-3:00 pm, with the service to follow promptly at 3:00 pm.