Cecelia Marie Perry
Cecelia Marie Perry, 79, passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness at 6:50 p.m. on August 22, 2026, at Solace House in Joplin Missouri, surrounded by her loved ones.
Cecelia was born July 3, 1947, to Vincent Charles and Irene Frances (Finnegan) Travis in Cold Spring, New York.
She met Floyd Gene Johnson, at Granby High School. They were married on October 18, 1969, in Neosho, Missouri, and built a life together rooted in love, family, and resilience. Throughout the years, they lived in Granby, Joplin, Springdale, Arkansas, and Cape Girardeau, Missouri, where they raised their three daughters and created a home filled with warmth and lasting memories.
After the passing of her first husband, Cecelia later found love again and married Bradford Everett Perry on May 20, 1996. Together they shared many years of companionship and care.
Cecelia was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose love for her family knew no bounds. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy, and she poured her heart into each of them.
She is survived by her loving husband, Bradford Everett Perry; her three children: Jennifer Vay Warren (Douglas) of Rhome, Texas; Tara Marie York (Craig) of Neosho, Missouri; and Brandi Francis McMullin (Gary) of Kansas City, Missouri; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many other loving relatives and dear friends. She is also survived by her four sisters: Loretta Renee Eller of Chandler, Arizona; Deborah Jean Smith (Gene) of Joplin, Missouri; Irene Frances Fullerton of Granby, Missouri; and Nancy Joan Capps (Allan) of Neosho, Missouri.
Growing up, Cecelia and her sisters spent six years in Germany during the 1950s while their father served in the U.S. Army, an experience that brought them close together and created lifelong memories.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her first husband of 22 years, Floyd.
Cecelia had a lifelong passion for sewing and was a gifted seamstress who lovingly created beautiful clothing for her family. Many will remember the care she put into every stitch, making not just garments, but meaningful pieces filled with love. Even after her vision declined and she could no longer sew, the pieces she created remained a lasting reflection of her gentle spirit and giving heart.
In addition to her creativity, Cecelia dedicated 38 years of her life to nursing, including her time at St. John’s Hospital in Joplin. She cared deeply for her patients and approached her work with compassion, kindness, and strength. Nursing was more than a career for her; it was a reflection of who she was.
She also had a fun and lighthearted side that her family will always cherish. On Friday and Saturday nights, Cecelia could often be found square dancing, or watching WWE, a tradition that brought laughter and excitement into the home. It was a simple but special part of life that created memories her family will never forget.
Cecelia’s faith remained an important part of her life.
She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her quiet strength, and the deep love she had for her family. She had a way of making others feel comfortable, cared for, and at home in her presence. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Cecelia’s Celebration of Life will be on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Celebration Church in Joplin, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Cecelia’s memory may be made to The Solace House of the Ozarks or the MO-KAN Nurse Honor Guard.
Cremation arrangements are under the personal care of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory of Joplin, Missouri.
