M. Joyce Williamson

M. Joyce Williamson, 87, formerly of Midland, Michigan, died May 1, 2016 at Lourdes Senior Community in Waterford, Michigan. Joyce was born in Evart, MI on April 12, 1929, the first of three children born to John Arndt and Sophie Rackel. She grew up in Shepherd, MI, marrying her high school sweetheart, Bob Williamson, when he returned from the Navy on June 6, 1947. They had 64 wonderful years together.

Joyce had a long career at the Dow Chemical Company, where she was first employed in 1947. Like many women of her generation, she stopped work to raise a family, returning later to become a personnel manager, and retiring in 1981. She and Bob enjoyed an active retirement, eventually splitting their time between Bracketville, TX and central Michigan.

Joyce is survived by her three daughters Pamela (Don) Jakes of Roseville, Minnesota; Peggy (Tom) Steeh of Waterford; and Penny Wheelock of Kingsley; grandchildren Elizabeth Jakes, Benjamin (Kendal) Jakes, Haley (Chris) Emerson, Andrew (Melanie) Steeh, Rebecca Barker, Kiel Steger, and Robert Steger; six great-grandchildren, Christian Barker, Noah Scribner, Kielee Steger, Kaiden Steger, Keagan Steger and Jacob Emerson; one brother Don (Joyce) Arndt; two sisters-in-law Laura Welch and Letitia Scribner; three brothers-in-law Frederick (Olga) Williamson, Wallace (Sylvia) Williamson, and Richard (Debra) Williamson; and many nieces and nephews.

Joyce loved spending her summers with the girls at "the lake," washing clothes outside in an old wringer washer, exhausting the supply of books at the Lake City library, and enjoying the freedom of lake life. Later, the grandchildren would enjoy the lake with Joyce during their frequent visits and annual "Camp Luv-a-Lot." Joyce was a huge Detroit Tigers fan, following football and basketball to pass the time until spring training in March.

In accordance with Joyce's wishes, cremation has taken place. A private celebration of her life will occur later in the summer. Those planning an expression of sympathy may consider the Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Rd., Midland, MI 48640 or St. Joseph Mercy Home Care Hospice, 111 West Long Lake Road, Suite 102, Troy, MI 48098. Arrangements are under the care of the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home 4210 N. Saginaw Rd Midland, Michigan. Personal messages of condolence may be offered to the family at www.wilson-miller.com.