E. Joyce Versluis

Esther Joyce Versluis, age 92, passed away on Easter, 2024, at her home in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Joyce, as she was known by family and friends throughout her life, was born in Allendale, Michigan on August 23, 1931, as one of eight children to John and Anna Aldrink. She was preceded in death by her husband, Philip, in 2017; her sisters: Bea Idema and Irene Lautenbach; and brothers John, Jacob, Harry “Bob” and Calvin Aldrink.

Joyce is survived by her children Peter and Denise (Ponshair) Versluis, Chadwick and Rachel (Faber) Versluis, Tonya (Versluis) and David Williamson, Vincent and Angela (Gordillo) Versluis; grandchildren, Philip and Beata (Mackenroth) Versluis, John and Eric Versluis, Jessie (Versluis) and Trey Haidle, Bea (Williamson) and Ken Johnson, Quinton Williamson, Cedric and Roxana (Mena) Williamson, Darius Williamson, Nina and Esther Versluis; great-grandchild Scott Johnson; sister Ethel Brunger; brothers-in law and sisters-in law, Diana Aldrink, David Versluis, James Morren, Barbara Versluis; and many nephews and nieces.

To say Joyce was adventurous was an understatement. She loved to travel and meet new and interesting people. She preferred to work quietly behind the scenes, letting other people get the credit. Always a visionary, Joyce was three steps ahead of the crowd. She loved to know your thoughts on a particular idea or subject and then pressed you on it. Joyce told her children to “Think Big” and followed up later with “Pray without Ceasing.” Joyce will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

Friends are invited to visit with Joyce’s family on Thursday, April 18 from 5-7 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. A private service will follow at a later date with interment in Rosedale Memorial Park. To share a memory or photo, or to sign her guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com.com