Joyce Elaine Beardsley

Joyce E. Beardsley, 88, passed away on Friday, May 2, 2025, at Presbyterian Manor in Emporia.

Joyce Elaine Watts was born on May 18, 1936, in Emporia, Kansas, to Daniel and Neva (Clementson) Watts.

Joyce earned her bachelor’s degree from Emporia State Teachers College and later pursued a Master’s in Secondary Education at Texas Western. She also attended the University of Georgia.

On January 22, 1956, Joyce married Charles August Beardsley in a ceremony at Sardis Congregational Church in Emporia. Together, they were blessed with four children: Charles Jr., Curtis, Arthur, and Julia.

Joyce was a member of the Emporia Sardis Congregational Church; she was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Merriam Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Joyce is survived by her sons, Curtis (Penny) Beardsley of Osage City, KS, and Arthur (Sherri) Beardsley of Emporia, KS; her 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; her brothers, Gary Watts of Emporia, KS, and Ronald Watts of San Antonio, TX; and a host of extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charles Beardsley; her son, Charles Beardsley Jr.; her daughter, Julia Mason; and her brother, Duane Watts.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the Olpe Chicken House, 8 KS-99, Olpe, KS 66865.