Joye Ferguson

Joyce Anne Ferguson, 86, of Topeka, went to be with our Lord and Savior on Wednesday, November 2, 2023. Joyce was born on December 18, 1936, in Tulare, CA., the daughter of Harold and Juanita (Hatfield) Stephenson. Though she grew up in Connecticut where she attended school and earned her high school diploma, Wichita, KS, a city that she loved, is where Joyce called her home for more than 66 years - only residing in Topeka for a brief period following her husband's passing.

After moving to Wichita in 1952, Joyce met her first husband, a union which bore three children, Donald Wayne Neil, Karen Leigh (Neil) Hokanson, and Franklin Lloyd Neil whom she loved dearly. Later in life, she divorced and subsequently married the man who would turn out to be the love of her life, John Ferguson.

All of her life Joyce was a musician; she had a passion and love of music that drew her into songwriting, singing, and playing many instruments, mainly guitar, for various bands as well as in church. Many times, Joyce would join her sons on stage with their bands as well, bringing the crowds to their feet to hit the dance floor! Listening to her voice, so smooth and steady, made it easy to become lost in the melody.

A woman of many talents, Joyce also owned and operated a lawn care company alongside her husband, John, where they worked to provide service to many in the Wichita area. Following that endeavor, the two established a cleaning and deodorizing company called J and J Scent Service, where they worked with and served businesses in Wichita and surrounding areas.

In later years, Joyce's hobbies included, among other things, crossword puzzles, playing bingo, and baking. Especially well-known for her pies, she enjoyed sharing her recipes and would give a modest little chuckle when others would offer to pay for her delicacies.

Joyce is survived by her son, Frank Neil; daughter-in-law Linda Neil; son-in-law, Bob Hokanson; grandchildren, Erica Neil, Amanda Neil, Danielle Hokanson, Jason Hokanson, and Elisha (Hokanson) Haverkamp; thirteen great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Juanita Stephenson; husband, John Ferguson; son Donald Neil and daughter, Karen (Neil) Hokanson.

A private memorial will be held for the family with cremation to follow. Dove Southwest Chapel is assisting with arrangements. To leave a special message for the family online, visit the guestbook below.