A collaborative book project born from love, loss, and learning
January 12, 2026 | Lisa Gilbert
Terry Barker ’77
Joycelyn Dailey ’24
When then–art student JOYCELYN DAILEY ’24 opened an email from Karen Gergely, MFA, Graceland’s Art Program Coordinator, two years ago, she didn’t know it would lead to illustrating a children’s book — or to a two-year collaboration with another Gracelander and author, TERRY BARKER ’77. Gergely reached out on Barker’s behalf after he contacted her seeking an illustrator for his latest story, I Will Miss You, sparking an invaluable learning experience for Dailey to pursue her artistic dreams.
“At the time, illustrating children’s books was a career goal,” Dailey said. “I immediately responded with enthusiastic interest. From there, Terry, Karen, and I scheduled calls and exchanged countless emails as the book came to life.”
Barker’s story, written in 2017, was born from a deeply personal promise. “My sister Sharon passed away from an aggressive form of cancer,” he explained. “Her great-granddaughter got mad at God for taking her. That broke my dad’s heart, and I promised him I’d write a story to help children understand that God isn’t a meany.”
Though he finished the manuscript that year, Barker couldn’t find the right illustrator until reconnecting with Graceland. With Gergely’s mentorship and Dailey’s artistic vision, I Will Miss You began to take form — a children’s story that weaves together themes of faith, death, and God to help young readers cope with loss.
For Dailey, the opportunity was both thrilling and intimidating. “I had almost no experience with character design or watercolor,” she said. “Drawing wasn’t my specialty, but I wanted the illustrations to feel soft and comforting for this story.” Through trial, error, and encouragement from Gergely, Dailey found her rhythm and style.
Originally, Barker envisioned giraffes as the main characters — his sister’s favorite animal — but Dailey suggested bunnies might feel more relatable. “Still, I added a giraffe as Nicky’s beloved toy — a personal tribute to Terry’s family,” she said.
Each illustration went through multiple rounds of sketches and color tests before earning approval. “Terry gave me full creative freedom,” Dailey said. “He trusted me before I trusted myself.” Barker agreed: “Joycelyn’s art told the story better than my words.”
When the finished book arrived, Dailey described the feeling as “surreal.” For Barker, it marked both a promise fulfilled and a new beginning.
Barker and Dailey met face-to-face for the first time at Graceland’s 2025 Homecoming, where they shared their collaborative story with fellow Gracelanders on campus.
Ensuring that this project — born from love, loss, and learning — continues to inspire future Graceland artists, Barker has gifted the proceeds from I Will Miss You to support art scholarships at Graceland.
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