Joy Higgins Rickman

Joy was born Joyce Lynn Clines in Kennett, Missouri to James Edward Clines, Jr. and Marjorie Sue (nee Horton) Clines. When she was a small child, her parents moved to Saint Louis. She attended Roosevelt High School, Class of 1968.

In the same year, her son Jimmy was born to her and his step-father, Jim Higgins. Two years later, their daughter Cindy was born.

Joy was a homemaker until the kids were in school full time. She then became a hair stylist at Margie Clines' Beauty Salon, which was her mother's shop. Joy later attended Dental Assisting School and worked for many years as a dental assistant before becoming a dental office manager.

Joy became an in-home caregiver before becoming disabled herself with Parkinson's and dementia. She met her struggles with as much grace as her mind would allow. Through her frustrations, she kept her faith in Jesus, knowing it was in His hands.

Joy believed the students at Washington University School of Medicine could benefit from studying her brain and body, which is why she selflessly has donated her body to the cause of finding cures.

Joy was preceded in death by her parents, her former husband, Jim Higgins, and her sister Aledea (the late Ray Sr.) York. She is survived by her children, Jimmy Higgins and Cindy (Dan) Mueller, former son-in-law Mark Prather, her grandchildren, Kelly (Dan) Krueger, Julie (Alex) Bloemke, Joseph Higgins, and Matt Mueller; great-grandchildren Kassidy and Derek, Bennett and Colby; sisters Deanna Sims, Paula McCallister, and Jamie Schlereth; former husband Bruce Rickman, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was a special friend to Una Hoffman, Becky Mueller, Jimmy's father Ed (Sonja) Corbin, Leo Morrell, Dennis Morrell, and Homer Becker.

Joy was a member of Concord Church for 35 years.

Per Joy's wishes, there will be no funeral services. Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers.

Joy's biggest worry was to make sure her son, "Jimmy", was taken care of, especially after she left this world for the next. In lieu of any flowers, contributions made to assist him would be greatly appreciated by Joy's family. Otherwise, a donation to NAMI may be made in her memory.

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