Mary Joyce Astry, known to us all as Joyce, was a beacon of divine light in our community, who on the 28th day of January in the year of our Lord 2025, at the age of 83, returned to her heavenly Father after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on the 11th of April 1941 in the gentle folds of Missouri, Joyce’s earthly journey began, and it was in the loving embrace of Topeka, Kansas that she was called home.
Joyce’s life was a testament to the unwavering love she had for her Lord and Savior. Her faith was as steadfast as the mighty oak, and her love for her family knew no bounds.
She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Steve Flesher and her brother, Ray Baker. She is survived by her devoted family members: her beloved daughters Tammy Graham, Leah Gentry, and Dawn Astry. Grandchildren Kandi Ferguson, Danielle Flesher, Sara Brecheisen, Levi Brecheisen, Nathanial Flesher, Matthew Flesher, Benjamin Flesher, Amber Gentry, Kevin Gentry, Heather Gentry and multiple great-grandchildren. Each of them a shining star in the constellation of her life, each a thread in the beautiful tapestry of love she wove.
Joyce dedicated her life to caring for others as a compassionate nurse. Her hands, guided by grace, were instruments of healing and comfort to countless souls. Joyce’s life’s work was a reflection of her deep commitment to the well-being of others. Above all, Joyce’s heart belonged to God and her family. Her life was a living sermon, preaching love and faith through her every action. She was the embodiment of the words, “loving, faith-filled, and wise,” a true disciple of Christ in all her ways. Her wisdom was a river that flowed from the source of all truth, and in its waters, many found guidance. To speak of Joyce is to speak of love, a love that did not flicker nor fade even as she faced life’s trials. She was a steadfast witness to the power of faith, and her life was a hymn of praise to the Creator. As the good book says, “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). Joyce lived this Scripture, reflecting God’s love in her every deed and word.
Mary Joyce Astry, our beloved sister in Christ, has left us for a while, but she remains in our hearts forevermore. Her legacy of love is a beacon that continues to shine in the lives she touched. We are blessed to have known her, and we take comfort in the belief that we will one day see her again.
