Joyce Ann Fulton

Joyce Ann (Miller) Fulton was born on July 19, 1949 in East St. Louis, Illinois and was adopted by Wilbur and Mildred (Dubbelde) Miller. Called home on December 10, 2020, Joyce passed peacefully while surrounded by loved ones. She leaves behind husband Dwayne of 31 years, daughter Justine (Calvin) Riggs (husband Kevin), Son Justin Fulton (wife Kristin), granddaughters Kalei Riggs and Fiona Fulton, twin brother William Shaffer (wife Carolyn), and sister-in-law Ladonna (Fulton) Calleia. Joyce spent most of her childhood in Columbia, MO, graduated from Hickman High School, and attended the University of Missouri-Columbia. She remained a lake resident after moving there in the mid-seventies. She was well known for her long-time employment at Lake Ozark Clinic and would often run into patients out in the community on her days off. They loved her not only for the time she spent inquiring about their health, but also for her genuine interest in getting to know them as a person. She later worked in retail selling things she loved such as clothes, bath and body products, books, and toys. Her playful and fun-loving energy led many to refer to her as the “toy lady.” While her knowledge and magnetic personality made for top sales numbers, it was her interaction with people and helping others she found so fulfilling. In the last four years of her life, Joyce was living with kidney failure, but unless privy to her circumstances, one wouldn’t know what she was enduring. She was always positive about her home dialysis treatment and the daily effort it took to maintain her health. She remained optimistic and hopeful for a kidney transplant until the end. When she would arrive for her appointment, her nurses at the local Home Dialysis Clinic always said, “Our cup half full patient is here.” She made them smile and said she always made their day better. Joyce was also a volunteer spokesperson for Home (Peritoneal) Dialysis. Joyce was a world traveler, an avid reader, and loved putting her intelligence to the test while watching game shows and during family and friend game time. She outwitted us all with her vast knowledge of trivia and loved playing Dominoes. Through her friendly nature, jovial spirit, and genuine personality, she made friends wherever she went. She loved exploring new places and cuisine, the beach, and relaxing on the dock. However, her favorite place was next to her loyal companion, Sneakers, her adopted dog. Joyce shared that she felt blessed to have lived a good life and wanted to be remembered as a happy soul. The memory of her laughter and joy was a gift to all those she touched in life and lives on through each one of us. Our lives were blessed because of her being in them and are forever changed without her. Joyce was authentic and truly one of a kind. She lived her life with optimism, and generosity, always encouraging and supporting others to do the same. We’re certain she’s watching over us while doing one of her silly little dances and eating all her favorite foods, starting with dessert first. A Celebration of Joyce’s life will be held in 2021. Memorial donations can be made to the following: Central Missouri Kidney Association or Humane Society of Missouri. Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.alleeholmanhowe.com.