Merilynn Joan (Kirker) Mickelberry

Merilynn Joan (Kirker) Mickelberry, affectionately known as Joan, passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2025, with her family surrounded by her bed. She was born on a farm on October 15, 1944, near Bosworth, Missouri. She was the daughter of Howard Allan and Ruby Adale (Dean) Kirker. She graduated from Tins-Avalon High School in 1962. She participated in all sports and was a member of the National Honor Society, as well as participated in many other activities. Basketball was her favorite sport, and she excelled at the game. She graduated from Avila College in 1972 with a major in business management. Joan obtained her degree by attending college at night while working full-time.

Joan was a member of the First Baptist Church of Coloma, Missouri, until she moved away to Kansas City, Missouri.

On March 9, 1972, she married Jimmy Allen Mickelberry, Sr., and they have lived in Kansas City, Missouri, ever since.

Merilynn worked at First National Bank of Kansas City for many years and retired from Citicorp Credit Services, Inc., as Vice-President of the Credit Card Division in Kansas City, where she had worked for 15 years before her retirement in May 2000.

She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and had a strong interest in genealogy. Since her retirement, genealogy had become second nature to her. She had traced 25 lines, in some cases going back to the 1400s. She loved her antique cars and was an avid traveler, spending months each year traveling around the world with her husband, Jim. Both traveling and genealogy gave her pleasure.

Merilynn parents preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband Jim; two sisters, Betty Jean Ireland of Bosworth, Missouri, and Juanita June Standley of Lee’s Summit; three step-children, Julie Lavery/ Becca, Jimmy Mickelberry Jr,/ Cindy, Jeffrey Mickelberry/ Larena; 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation will be held 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 21, 2025 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.

Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 21, 2025 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri with interment at Hendrick Cemetery, Urich, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to North Kansas City Hospice and send in care to Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.