Sharon Lee Durik

Sharon Lee Durik (formerly Gozia), 84, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away on February 13, 2026, at Mercy Hospital, surrounded by family and friends.

Sharon was born on November 17, 1941, in St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of Leon and Mintie Gozia. On May 11, 1963, she married Michael G. Durik, with whom she shared a long and happy marriage until his passing.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents, Leon and Mintie Gozia; her sister, Debbie Snowden; and brother, Gene Scrum.

Sharon is survived by two brothers and their spouses: James and Jennifer Gozia of Carl Junction, Missouri, and Richard Gozia and Elizabeth Holloway of Jefferson City, Missouri; her brother-in-law, Ben Snowden of Joplin; sister-in-law, Annette Scrum-Zezoff of Granite City, Illinois; and ten nieces and nephews.

Sharon was known for her work in the medical field, serving as an office administrator in various doctors’ offices and hospitals in Joplin. After living with Michael for several years in Arizona, she returned to Joplin in 2018, where she became a well-loved member of the community at Memorial Hills Apartments. She will be fondly remembered for her kindness and will be deeply missed by her many friends and family.

Per her request, cremation has taken place, and her remains will be interred next to her husband’s at Springfield Veterans Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 1 at 1:00 p.m. in the 3rd floor Community Room at Memorial Hills I Apartments, Joplin, MO.

Arrangements are under the direction the personal care of Ozark Memorial Park of Joplin, Missouri