Cape Girardeau & Advance - Cora Joyce's Service

The weekend was spent driving to Missouri for Joy's funeral (she didn't want a fuss but her daughters decided to remember her with a service).

Friday, I drove for 12 hours when Ford spelled me for about 30 minutes, it was dark and we both had a hard time seeing - no more night trips for us! With construction delays, accident stopping traffic and city rush hour traffic, we managed to make the trip in 15.5 hours - horrible! We packed lunch so did not have to make any long stops, just for restroom breaks and gas (loved the gas prices in Georgia - they are not charging state tax, we filled up once at $2.88/gal.). Our hotel was the usual Holiday Inn Express, nice rooms (I had booked a suite in case AA traveled with us).

Saturday: We were ready by 9:45 a.m. for Bill and Joan to pick us up, drove to Advance, Morgan Funeral Home. The visitation was active, the service by Rev. Leeman Shirrell was sentimental and personal. 

We did miss not having all the Morgan's there (Leaa, Justin, Alyzabeth, etc.); we will all toast to Nana Joy on October 8th.

From Facebook: This past weekend we attended my Mother-In-Law's funeral/service in Missouri; honoring her memory; she was a wonderful lady, many fun family memories with her. From her quilts (self-taught, hand stitched), large family meals with fried fish and hushpuppies, to her Thanksgiving oyster dressing, dill pickles, homemade desserts (especially her strawberry cake and chocolate sheet cake), we had fun celebrating in Florida (and a few times in Advance, Mo.). She was loved by so many; she is missed.

Sad year for all of us, Joy lost her sister, May earlier this year, we lost Ian and Ford's brother Ben. 

Donna handled all the details and took charge (teasing her in photo below about being "bossier" than Bill!). Photos with Donna, Debbie, Candy and brother Michael. Michael's son Shayd Kennard came also.

We visited with Kaci, Nikki and Luke after the graveside gathering, fun talking about Joy and a few new stories! Back in Cape Girardeau, Bill and Joan dropped us off at the hotel to change, then we drove to their home. Nice visiting over an excellent red wine, then to a Thai restaurant for dinner.

Sunday: We slept pretty good, just not enough hours (noisy neighbors woke us up at 2:00 a.m.). With coffee and light breakfast, we were on the road at 6:45 a.m. (7:45 EST). 

After a long drive, fast food for lunch, listening to Jane Austen's Emma, we arrived home at 9:40 p.m. (10:40 CST). Gave big hugs to AA - missed her! Unpacking and laundry will wait for tomorrow morning!