Joyce Shears

Passed away peacefully on November 20, 2018. Born on August 3, 1937, she was raised in Otsego where her family owned the Shears Dairy. After receiving degrees in Physical Education and Administration at WMU, her 40 year career consisted of program and executive management at the YWCAs in Kalamazoo, Detroit, and Maricopa County, AZ and the Bellaire Association. She was a true leader planner, and forward thinking executive whose door was always open with a listening ear available. Under her Executive Directorship in Kalamazoo many programs were developed and implemented including the rape crisis, drop-in mental health, and domestic abuse centers. While in Kalamazoo, Joyce was active in the Altrusa Club, United Way Executive Council, and the Human Relations Council.Joyce was preceded in death by her partner Billie Clark, parents, brother, and nephews. Left to cherish her memory are many nieces and nephews including Jan Boynton of Kalamazoo. A memorial and committal service to honor a life well lived will be held at a later date in Michigan.