Betty Brill

(From Parker Mortuary)

Betty JoAnn (Connelly) Brill, age 91, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 in Joplin, Missouri. Born on December 12, 1933, in Joplin, she was the beloved daughter of Jennings Leo and Helen Barner (Simpson) Connelly and one of three siblings.

On July 31, 1953, JoAnn married her high school sweetheart, William D. Brill. Together, they celebrated 71 wonderful years of marriage and built a loving family. JoAnn is survived by her devoted husband, William, and their three daughters: Dr. Teresa (Dr. Mike) Jensen of Rochester, Minnesota; Janice (Steve) Dunaway of Joplin, Missouri; and April (Bob) Hagan of Joplin, Missouri.

Her grandchildren were a source of immense pride and joy: Dr. Kirsten Jensen of Honolulu, Hawaii; Dr. Clayton Dunaway of Bentonville, Arkansas; and Aaron Dunaway of Bismarck, North Dakota. JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Mary Lou Miller, her brother Jack L. Connelly, her half-brother Terry Swift, and grandsons Andrus Jensen and Joel Stinnett.

JoAnn’s life was defined by her unwavering faith, love for her family, and service to her community. A graduate of Joplin Senior High School, Class of 1951, she began her career at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, where she worked for 13 years. Later, she became the Director of Kiddie Kollege Preschool, shaping the lives of many young children.

Her dedication to helping others extended beyond her professional life. JoAnn volunteered for organizations like the Girl Scouts, the March of Dimes, and Crosslines. Her leadership inspired a group of women to sew quilts for those in need, showcasing her creativity and compassion. She also served as a member of the St. John’s Hospital Auxiliary for 10 years.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in the Parker Mortuary Chapel, Joplin, Missouri, with Pastor Mark Scott officiating. The family will receive friends on Monday from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary.




Burial will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery with, Steve Dunaway, Clayton Dunaway, Aaron Dunaway, Bob Hagan, Lakita Hogan, Emily Reynolds, and Makenzie Banes serving as pallbearers.




The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Charlotte’s Angels Home Care and Gentiva Hospice for their care, with special thanks to Emily Reynolds, Makenzie Banes, Lakita Hogan, Lisa Mata, Lexi Byrd and nurses Sandy Clark and Vanessa for their support and compassion.




In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Park Plaza Christian Church in Joplin, Missouri, in JoAnn’s memory.