Julie Guppy

(From Clark Funeral Home)

'I believe in brains that think, hands that work and hearts that love' - Julia Guppy, 1937-2024

Julia ‘Julie' A. Guppy, 86, Joplin, Missouri, entered into rest on March 14, 2024. She was born on May 11, 1937, in Pensacola, Florida, the daughter of Jack and Gladys (Bickley) Blaine, she loved her parents very much and believed they guided and nurtured her all of their lives. She graduated from Pensacola High School in 1955 and from Burge Nursing School in Springfield in 1958. She completed her education at Drury University, where she earned a B.S. degree in nursing in 1960. 

She taught at the Burge Nursing School for three years and then moved to Neosho where she was employed as the school nurse by the Neosho Public Schools, 1961-1964. 

 Julie and Richard Guppy were married on August 17, 1962, at the home of her parents in Pensacola, Florida and established their home in Neosho. In 1964, she began working as Director of the Tri County Cerebral Palsy Center for five years, 1964-1969 and in 1969, began working at Crowder College, where she was instrumental in developing the Crowder College Practical Nursing program, working there until 1974. She then began teaching as practical nursing instructor at Franklin Tech in Joplin and after 26 years, retired from there. 

During her teaching career, she touched the lives of over 1000 students and was recognized by the Missouri State Board of Nursing for her 50 years of nursing. Following her retirement, she continued to volunteer at St. John’s, now Mercy Auxiliary in Joplin. Julie believed that by volunteering, she met the needs of others and served the Lord with her service. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Joplin. 

 Julie is survived by one daughter, Melinda ‘Mindy’ St. Clair and husband, Steven of Joplin; three grandchildren, Isabella St. Clair, Devin St. Clair and Ryun St. Clair; one great grandson, Lyle St. Clair; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gary and Mary Ann Guppy; nephews, Tracy Guppy, Todd Guppy and Tony Guppy and numerous great and great great nieces and nephews and other extended family. 

 Julie was preceded in death by her husband, Richard on April 8, 2021, and her parents.

Memorial Service 

Wednesday, March 20, 2024
2:00 PM
Clark Funeral Home Chapel of Memories 312 S Wood
Neosho, MO 64850

Memorial Visitation 

Wednesday, March 20, 2024
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Clark Funeral Home Chapel of Memories 312 S Wood Neosho, MO 64850