Joyce A. (Schonschack) Meeks

Joyce Arlyn (Schonschack) Meeks, 93, of Midland, Michigan, passed away on December 13, 2015. The daughter of the late Walter and Catherine (Bosserdete) Schonschack was born in Trenton, Michigan, on July 2 1922. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte, Michigan and received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education from Albion College.

On August 4, 1945 Joyce married Merritt Meeks, and last August they celebrated 70 years of marriage. During their life together they did extensive traveling, and enjoyed camping with friends and family.

Joyce worked as a nursery school teacher for Epworth Nursery School at First United Methodist Church for 23 years. She enjoyed playing tennis, gardening, traveling and following her beloved Detroit Tigers. She was actively involved with the church and had been the Junior Choir Director when she and Merritt first moved to Midland. She served as chairperson of various church circles, sang in the choir for 50 years, and along with Merritt, went on a mission trip to Haiti. She was also a volunteer at Mid Michigan Hospital, the Chippewa Nature Center, and the Midland Historical Society. Doing volunteer work gave her great joy. Her ministry was ''to do something nice for someone every day."

Joyce is survived by her husband, Merritt, 2 daughters, Judith (Robert) Woodland and Marilyn (Jon) Horton; 5 grandchildren, Joshua Woodland, Benjamin (Angie) Horton, Sarah Woodland (Joseph) Merrill, Seth (Peggy) Horton and Luke (Sara) Horton; and 8 great- grandchildren, Rory, Gavin and Maeryn Horton, Isaac and Caleb Merrill, Emma and Owen Horton, and Jude Horton. Joyce was preceded in death by her brother,, Matthew Schonschack

According to Joyce's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service for Joyce will be held on Friday, December 18, 2015, beginning at 11:00 am at First United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Dr. Charles Keyworth officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service at the church, beginning at 10:00 am. Interment will be in the Shrader Memorial Gardens at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, Midland, Michigan. The family of Joyce wishes to thank the staff of Stratford Village for the love and care she received while a resident there. Their dedication to her comfort does not go unnoticed and is greatly appreciated. Arrangements are under the care of Wilson MILLER Funeral Home. Personal messages of condolence maybe offered to the family at www.wilson-miller.com

Friday, December 18, 2015
11:00 AM

First United Methodist Church
315 W. Larkin St.
Midland, MI 48640