Olive “Joyce” Johns, 88, was called home to be with the Lord with her family by her side, at Heritage Estates on May 13, 2023. There will be a family graveside service at West Lawn Cemetery in Gering. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, May 18th, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at WestWay Christian Church in Scottsbluff. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 17, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Dugan-Kramer Funeral Home. Memorials have been established to The Potter’s Wheel and WestWay Christian Church. Tributes of sympathy may be left at
Joyce was born in Gering, Nebraska, on September 30, 1934, to Omer and Elsie (Warner) Kelley. She graduated from Gering High School in 1952. Joyce married Bill Johns on August 17, 1952. To this union were born three children, Jenni, Tim, and Steve. Joyce was a faithful follower and servant of Jesus Christ, a loving and devoted wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend who touched many lives in a generous manner. One of her greatest joys was creating “www.dugankramer.comPrecious Moments” (which she also collected) with family and spoiling her kids and grandkids with her time, talents, and treasures. Her servant attitude allowed her to open her home to anyone who visited.
Joyce and Bill owned and operated BJ’s Appliance Repair for 35 years. She enjoyed cooking, landscaping, painting, playing cards, scrapbooking, sewing, shopping, traveling, and entertaining family and friends. She was a member of WestWay Christian Church. Bill and Joyce were married for 60 years prior to his passing in 2013.
Survivors include her children, Jenni (Dwight) Barrett, Tim (Kathy) Johns, and Steve (Sheryl) Johns; grandchildren, Josh and Joel (Gabby) Barrett, Amy (Ryan) Biggs, Zach and Lincoln (Carrie) Johns, Amy (Andres) Jimenez and Stephanie (Nels) Huffman; great-grandchildren, Waylon, William, Walker, Eleanor, Izabella, Eli, Hunter, Havyn, Taytum, Axton; and sister, Andrea York Edwards (Ron).
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bill; parents; sister, Dora McKeone; and brothers, Don and Lyle Kelley.