Joyce S Kuhn
August 31st, 1937 - January 22nd, 2020
Obituary
Angel of the Arts
Joyce Phillips Simmons Kuhn
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 Kuhn’s incredible life and career was full of vast accomplishments, creative energy and wonderful adventures. Joyce had heartache yet her positive unwavering spirit earned her great respect because of 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. Joyce Phillips Simmons moved with her parents to Independence Missouri in 1942 and graduated from Christman High School in 1955. She Blossomed into a dynamic woman that started as a young journalist, singer & actress while attending Universities & The New England Conservatory of Music. She became a wonderful Professor of Speech Communications & Drama at UMKC, CMSU, Penn Valley, Avila & Longview Community Colleges while directing hundreds of plays. Her civic leadership greatly impacted Jackson County & beyond. Joyce worked on projects with Mayors of Independence Missouri Barbara Potts, Ron Stewart & Don Reimal. She created “ Cosmic Theater” at CMSU, Backstage at BoBette’s Dinner Theater, Courtyard of the Arts with her daughter Felicia Roth and developed Longview Actor’s Guild and their first Black Box Theater and Arts Center. Joyce assisted in revitalizing Kansas City’s Urban Core while working at the Black Economic Union in the 1980s and running her business JK Communications. Joyce Kuhn was the Arts Commissioner of Independence Missouri, President of the Cultural Arts Coalition & Community Association of the Arts while serving on many boards of Directors such as the Kansas City & Independence Symphonies. She was a Minister in her church and a true blessing to the community, her students, friends and her daughter Felicia D. Roth & son in law David B. Roth. She found the best in everyone and was supportive of their dreams. No matter how hard things were she always said “Have faith for the show must go on!" She left for her new adventure on January, 22 2020 in the loving care of Felicia, David and friend Tony. She is deeply loved! God Bless her always!
Joyce’s Celebration of Her Life Memorial Service will be postponed due to the COVID-19 virus. In lieu of flowers please send Angels to her memorial service or donations in her name to local Arts Organizations. These were her favorite things and Joyce was an Angel of the Arts!
With love always and thankful for all the incredible memories, Felicia D. Roth
Remembrances
Sat, Feb 29th, 2020 at 10:16 PM
Joyce had a beautiful gift of making people feel better just by being around her. I never sat down
with her to visit that I didn't leave feeling better about myself. She had a presence about her that
resonated confidence, love and kindness. We miss her.Lois Hillman, Lees Summit MO
Fri, Feb 28th, 2020 at 8:38 PM
I adored Joyce. She was the most generous teacher I ever took class from. I so enjoyed her
speech class and all the amazing encouragement she always gave to each of her
students. Also enjoyed my time spent with her later as an artist. So saddened to hear
of her passing. Her amazing light will now shine down upon her world and family and
friends.Jennylynne Gragg, Lee’s Summit, mo
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