Joyce Hanlin

Joyce Hanlin, 81, Emporia, Kansas, left this world peacefully Saturday, June 13, 2026.

Joyce Childears was born in Emporia, Kansas on December 5, 1944, the daughter of Dale and Mildred (Davis) Childears. She married Sterley D. Hanlin May 31, 1969 and they later divorced. Surviving Joyce is her son; Kevin (Trenna) Hanlin, Emporia, daughter; Kim (Mark) Danford, Strong City, Kansas, brother; David (Anita) Childears, grandchildren; Garland and Grayson Hanlin, and Guthrie and Vonda Danford; nieces; Sarah and Debora Childears, nephews; Stephen, Dean and Jim Childears. She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother; Dwight “Ike” Childears.

Joyce worked at K-Mart until it closed, then drove school bus for the Emporia School District. Baking was her passion and she made many different types of cakes, but typically wedding and reception cakes were her specialty as the owner of Double K Cakes. Later she expanded this passion as owner of Arizings Coffee Shop from 1998 to 2008. After that she worked for EKCAN Headstart as both an Assistant Cook & Head Cook until 2018 when she retired. Retirement was not for her, so she re-entered the workforce with Food Service for Emporia School District until 2020.

Joyce was a devout Christian and spent much of her free time studying scripture and attending bible studies and church activities. Joyce loved her family and friends and would drop whatever she was doing to help with whatever was needed. Her grandkids were her pride and joy. If she could attend their events, she was there enjoying every moment of their activities. She loved being outdoors. From her years growing up on the farm, it wasn’t a shock to see her helping with animals or tending to her garden.

Cremation is planned. Memorial Services will be held at Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home on Thursday, July 2 ,2026 at 10:00 A.M. Inurnment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery south of Emporia. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday, July 1, 2026 from 6:00 PM until 7:30 PM

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Lyon County 4-H Foundation may be sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, PO Box #175, Emporia, Kansas 66801