Joyce Lewis

When reflecting on the life of Joyce Lewis, words such as dedicated, passionate, generous, hardworking come to mind, yet it will be her unending love for her family that will be her lasting legacy. She was the rock of her family, and was there for anyone at anytime, not because she had to be, but because she wanted to share fully in the lives of the people she loved. Joyce spent most of her life alongside her one true love with whom she witnessed her family tree blossom to include four children, nine grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren, all who she loved dearly. With a strong work ethic learned from loving parents, Joyce worked hard throughout her life to help provide the best for her family. Her years of dedicated work afforded her both a happy place in life, and a family that loved her dearly.

1928 was a time of peace and prosperity for the United States - it was after World War I and before the stock market crash that would lead to the Great Depression. For Gerald and Fay (Waite) Spealman, farmers in Wakeshma Township, Michigan, it was a time of great celebration as they welcomed the birth of their beautiful daughter, Joyce Elaine Spealman, on November 16, 1928. Joyce was the oldest of five children in her family, though her parents lost two sons before her. Along with her siblings: Jean, Geraldine and twins – Max and Maxine, Joyce enjoyed a typical childhood growing up on their family farm. She was a true “daddy’s girl,” and spent much of her time working alongside him doing daily chores. She also loved to hunt, particularly fox, deer and bear. Every year, she would go with her father by ferry across the straits to the bear camp in Grand Marais in the Upper Peninsula, where she was the chief cook and bottle washer. When it came to school, Joyce was a good student and played basketball on her high school team. She went on to graduate from Athens High School in 1947.

Joyce met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Lewis, when she went to the Leonidas Dance Hall in town one night. Her father had given her a dime to get a pop from the general store across the street from the hall; however, she didn’t need it because a handsome redheaded young man bought her one and with that, Bob and Joyce’s love story had begun. They dated for a few years and loved to go square dancing and listen to music together. The two were happily married on July 29, 1950, in her parents’ home in Fulton. Joyce and Bob spent the next 64 years together, raising their four children: Rick, Keith, Jody and Linda, and sharing many wonderful memories as a family. Aside from creating a home full of love, Joyce was an excellent cook and spoiled her family with her delicious homemade noodles and scalloped oysters (a German dish), and for dessert, her oatmeal raisin cookies and cherry pie. As a mother, she was always active in her children’s lives and supported them in all their endeavors. When they were younger, Joyce often encouraged them to go play outside, and if it was raining, she assured them they wouldn’t melt.

Besides being a devoted wife and mother, Joyce worked for about 30 years as a bus driver for the Vicksburg Public Schools. She also worked for a while at the Vicksburg Post Office as well as various other post offices. One of her greatest achievements of which Joyce was very proud of was becoming the first EMT, first woman EMT and first volunteer firewoman in the State of Michigan. Once Joyce set her mind to something, there was no stopping her - she could do anything! Outside of work, there were so many things that Joyce enjoyed doing in her leisure time. She liked to crochet, listen to country western music, and shopping for lighthouse figurines to add to her collection. Joyce also enjoyed working in her garden and canned much of her bounty for future use and family. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, who she adored. The only thing that brought Joyce more joy than her grandkids was their yearly trips to Grand Marais – her favorite place on earth. She enjoyed their time here as much as she did in her childhood. Joyce squeezed in her last trip to Grand Marais in August 2013.

Although Joyce will be dearly missed, her legacy of love and dedication leaves her loved ones with wonderful memories and a strong foundation to look to for comfort.

Joyce E. Lewis, of Vicksburg, MI passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2014, at the age of 85. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Robert; three children: Rick (Sherry) Lewis of Delton, Jody (Bill) Jones of Vicksburg, Linda (Alan) Copenhafer of Vicksburg; a daughter-in-law: Carla Lewis of Fulton; nine grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren; two siblings: Max (Sheila) Spealman of Scotts, and Maxine Irving of Fulton. She is preceded in death by her son: Keith; two sisters: Jean Homan and Geraldine Decker.

A visitation will be held on Monday, October 20, 2014 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Homes, Vicksburg; 409 South Main Street (269-649-1697) and on Tuesday, October 21, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Factoryville Bible Church, in Athens with service immediately following at 11 a.m. Please visit Joyce’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can read her life story, sign the guestbook, share a memory or photo. In lieu of flowers those who wish may make a contribution to the Three Rivers Hospice and/or Factoryville Bible Church.