Anniversary of passing for an Angel of the Arts
August 1937 – January 2020
Civic Leader, Wonderful Educator/Professor,
Remarkable Director, Creative Arts Advocate,
Talented Actress/Singer, Dedicated Mind,
Unwavering Spirit, Gracious Soul, Joyful Minister,
Dear Friend, Loving Mother
Joyce P.S. Kuhn’s incredible life and career was full of vast accomplishments, creative energy and wonderful adventures. She had heartache, yet her positive unwavering spirit earned her great respect due to her gracious, kind, hardworking, dedicated and loving nature.A shy girl born in Groton Connecticut in 1937 to Florence F. Simmons, a poet and Author and Hiram I. Simmons, a compassionate Hospital Chaplain. She moved with her parents to Independence Missouri in 1942 and graduated from Christman High School in 1955. A dynamic woman that started out as a young journalist, singer & actress while attending Universities & The New England Conservatory of Music. She became a wonderful Professor of Speech Communications, Debate & Drama at UMKC, CMSU, Penn Valley, Avila & Longview Community Colleges. She created“Cosmic Theater” at CMSU, Backstage at BoBette’s Dinner Theater and The Courtyard of the Arts with her daughter Felicia. Joyce directed plays that brought adventure and joy to her patrons. She developed Longview Actor’s Guild and their first Black Box Theater and Arts Center on campus.
Her civic leadership greatly impacted Jackson County & beyond. Joyce worked on projects with Multiple Mayors in Missouri to advance the arts and develop community events. Joyce was the Arts Commissioner of Independence Missouri, President of the Cultural Arts Coalition & Community Association of the Arts while serving on boards of Directors such as the Kansas City & Independence Symphonies. Joyce assisted in revitalizing Kansas City’s Urban Core while working at the Black Economic Union in the 1980s and running her own business JK Communications.
Joyce was a Minister in her church and a true blessing to the community, her students, family and friends. She found the best in everyone and was supportive of their dreams. She left for her new adventure on January, 22 2020 while in the loving care of her family. She is deeply loved! God Bless her always! Please share condolences at https://www.charterfunerals.com/obituary/joyce-s-kuhn