LEOTA JOYCE CARR, 82, of Wichita, Kansas, and formerly of Nebraska, passed away November 13, 2025, in Wichita.
Joyce was born June 19, 1943, in Sutherland, Nebraska, to Robert and Leota (Spurgin) Johnson. She grew up on the family farm near Elsie, Nebraska, alongside her three siblings. Joyce graduated from Elsie High School where she was class valedictorian. She then attended Kearney State College, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Education in only three years.
Joyce began her teaching career in Ellis, Kansas, and later taught in Cozad, Nebraska. She eventually made her home in North Platte, where she started her family. In 1983, Joyce moved with her three children, Chad, Brant, and Shamain, to Omaha where she continued her teaching career. From teaching math at Millard North High School to working with people with disabilities as the day services manager at Bethphage, Joyce shared her love of learning and had a profound impact on many.
Joyce's faith was the steady center of her life in all that she did. She was active in every church she attended -she did not eat the bread of idleness- teaching Sunday School, volunteering, participating in Bible studies, and even becoming the Christian Education Director at one of her church homes. She was a sincere and joyful witness to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Joyce was an avid reader and had a continual quest for knowledge. She loved music, especially gospel, country, and bluegrass. Joyce also played the piano throughout her life, often taking the opportunity to sing her favorite hymns. Joyce also enjoyed watching football and was a faithful fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers through thick and thin.
She is survived by her children, Chad Carr of Omaha, Brant (Ronell) Carr of Ankeny, IA, Shamain (Tim) Bachman of Wichita, KS, and grandchildren, (McKenna Carr, Abby Bachman, Brady Carr, Emma Bachman, and Natalie Carr); brother, Bruce (Gerri) Johnson of Illinois; and many other relatives and friends.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Marilyn Holscher and Roberta Russell.
A memorial has been established in Joyce's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com <http://bullocklongfuneralhome.com/>, where the services will be streamed live.
Services will be on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 10AM MT at the Grant Evangelical Free Church with Pastor Russ Gaar officiating. Interment will be at the Paxton Cemetery immediately following the services.
Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.
Grant Evangelical Free Church
Grant E-Free Church
Paxton Cemetery
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