Judy Beaver

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Judith (Judy) Joan Beaver, 80, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away peacefully at her home on October 4, 2025. Born on April 10, 1945, in Pineville (Havenhurst), Missouri, Judy was the daughter of Orval Herbert and Goldie Belle (Armstrong) Sherman. As a graduate of Pineville High School, Judy was active in music and band, playing the snare drum from the 5th grade through senior year. She loved to sing, participating in the choir, often singing in quartets. She met her only love, Howard Lee Beaver, during her senior year, and they married on February 24, 1964.

Judy dedicated much of her life to caring for others, but especially her children and family. She had lifelong aspirations to be a good mother to a big family, just as she had known throughout her childhood. When recently asked about her life experiences, she remarked, “I loved every minute, and I would not change one thing."

After all the children were in school, she drove a bus for Newton County Head Start. For many years, she and her husband contributed to local journalism through positions at the Neosho Daily News and The Joplin Globe. Often working several jobs, she found her lifelong career was in home healthcare. Patients and their loved ones became family to her. However, her most cherished role was that of a mother. Judy stayed home to raise her children when they were young, and her love for them remained the cornerstone of her life.

A devoted Christian, Judy was a longtime believer, rooted in the Baptist faith and a member of Hilldale Baptist Church in Neosho. After moving to Joplin in 2017, she attended Fairview Baptist Church. In her free time, she found great joy in reading her Bible, listening to gospel music, watching old Westerns, and countless episodes of Bob Barker’s The Price Is Right. She loved walking outside amongst God’s wonders, along with time spent with wonderful friends at the Joplin YMCA for exercise and fellowship. She also enjoyed time with Charles Wright, a friend and lunch companion from Stella, Missouri. Judy’s most special time was always spent making memories with her children, family, and loved ones.

Judy is survived by her beloved children: Howard Beaver and wife, Julie, Roger Beaver and wife, Michelle, Randy Beaver and wife, Sandy, Stacy Beaver, Sherry Genisio and husband, Charles, and Angie Beaver. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and one brother, Clyde Lee Sherman, and his wife, June Hope. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her siblings: Wanda Pendegraft, Wayne Sherman, Eugene Sherman, and JC Sherman. She loved many pets through the years, bringing comfort and joy. Most recently by her side: Ko-Ko (Angie), Ozzy, JoJo, Georgie, and Jaco (Sherry). Each with their own unique personality to entertain “Grandma” daily to uplift her soul.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Clark Funeral Home Chapel of Memories in Neosho, Missouri. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., followed by interment at Gibson Cemetery immediately thereafter. Judy will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her unwavering faith, kind heart, strength, and devotion to her family leave a legacy that will endure for generations. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Faithful Friends Animal Advocates in Neosho, Missouri c/o Clark Funeral Home PO 66 Neosho, MO 64850.