Joyce Caton

Joyce Jean Caton passed away on Friday, August 11, 2025, in Wentzville, MO. Joyce and her identical twin, Judy, were born on September 11, 1939, in Marshall, MO to William “Edgar” and Sarah “Harriet” Hess Caton. Judy passed shortly after birth.

Joyce was a lifelong educator. After running away from grade school a few times, she decided to go to college. Working a variety of jobs to pay for her education, she graduated from Missouri State University in Warrensburg, MO. She finalized her formal education with a Doctorate in Education from Southern Illinois College in Edwardsville, IL.

She was a Business Education teacher, and later in Administration, in the Hazelwood School System. After retirement, she taught at Fontbonne Collage and worked for the Missouri Department of Education. She went to work for ACICS, an accreditation agency for private colleges. This adventure took her throughout the country and to Switzerland and Saudi Arabia, where they accredited the first college for women in that country.

Joyce and her life partner, Arthur Wayne “Sadie” Hawkins were inseparable for almost 40 years. They did white water rafting everywhere they could. They enjoyed many winters in Mission, TX. Sadie preceded her in death.

She was an avid, and competitive Bridge player. During one competition, she met Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, who told her and her partner that they “needed to kick it up a notch.” She was a member of several bridge groups and was playing up to 3 times a week prior to her death.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Edgar and Harriet Caton, her twin sister, Judy, her sister and brother in-law, Bobbie and Brownie French, brother and sister-in-law Bill and Winona Caton, nephew Stan Caton and her partner Arthur “Sadie” Hawkins.

She is survived by niece Sarah French Kennedy, niece Susan French Gates (Geoff), nephew Loyd French, and Kathy Caton (Stan). Also surviving are Great Nieces and Nephews and Great, Great Nieces and Nephews. And, many friends.

There will be no services. Inurnment will occur at a later date in Arrow Rock, Missouri. A celebration of life will be held at Rizzo’s in Wentzville MO on Thursday , August 28, 2025, at 5:00 pm. A second celebration will be at Massa’s Winghaven in O’Fallon, MO. on Saturday, September 13, 2025, Noon until 3:30 pm.

Pitman Funeral Home, Wentzville, MO is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to AccentCare Hospice, Fallen Hero Support (for Backstoppers and Injured First Responders), or to your local Animal Shelter, through Pitman Funeral Home.

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