Joyce Northam

Joyce Northam loved to be surrounded by her family, and loved spending her time being a wife, mother and grandmother to the people who brought her life extraordinary joy.

Joyce Elaine was born May 15, 1922, to Bruce and Zoe (Davis) Parsons at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The youngest of four children, Joyce grew up under the watchful eye of her two older brothers, Dale and Melvin, who loved to dote on her. Her brother Dale even let her tag along with him, most of the time. Joyce also fostered an especially close relationship with her mother and sister Vivian, which she cherished all of her life.

One of the most memorable, yet traumatic events in Joyce's life was when their family's home burned down on December 26, 1932 - she was only 10. The fire was discovered at 4:45 a.m. and every year thereafter Joyce systematically woke up at the same time and day. It was a day she just couldn't shake from her memory. Despite this terrible tragedy, Joyce said, "I guess I had a happy, carefree childhood."

After Joyce graduated from high school, she attended Maher's Business School for 3 months, which was long enough for her to improve her typing speed and shorthand. Shortly after, Joyce married Foist Northam, whom she met when she was 18. They were married at First Methodist Church in Kalamazoo, on March 13, 1942. Aside from being handsome, Foist was a true gentleman and he took especially good care of his mother and sister, which Joyce admired and loved about him. The couple spent the next 60 years together, depending and trusting in each other through good and bad, a quality Joyce loved about Foist.

In their leisure time, Joyce and Foist loved camping and did so until the weekend before Thanksgiving, when they called their camping season officially done. In her younger days, Joyce enjoyed sewing and cooking, and as she matured, reading and studying her family genealogy filled her time. Of all the wonderful things in Joyce's life, spending time with her family towered above the rest. She took great pride in her family and was happiest whenever she was in their presence. In her ever-thoughtful way, Joyce never failed to send her loved ones birthday cards each year, once again reminding them how much she loved them.

Joyce's family remembers: The most vivid memory for us all is how much she loved her family, and how much she enjoyed being with us. Family reunions, picnics and holiday gatherings were her most proud moments, and we had better be taking plenty of pictures! Gramma was always full of hugs and kisses, and never forgot to send a birthday card. Sometimes the cards would contain little extras such as pictures of other family members, Snoopy stickers and other fun things, and they were always signed with kisses and hugs. She was always forgiving, but not necessarily forgetful - like the time her granddaughters' dog "wet" in her shoes. That one she didn't forget!

Gramma was a super strong lady, especially in her final days. She held such grace during her toughest time, and all of us take pride in having the honor of knowing such an inspiring and exceptional lady. Bless her.

Joyce Elaine Northam died peacefully Wednesday, November 16, 2005. While she will be missed dearly, her peaceful death brings solace to the family. She is survived by three children, Janet and her husband Jack Connors, Jeryl and her husband Jerry Potter and Gary and his wife Frances Northam. She has 6 grandchildren: Greg and his wife Myrtha Connors, Todd and his wife Alicia Myers, Richelle and her husband Steve Kaempf, Tanya and her husband Jeremy Chapman, Naomi "Ony" and her husband Doug Woodruff, Tatum and her husband Justin Jelenc; and six great grandchildren: Tyler Connors, Logan Connors, Brendan Kaempf, Talan Myers, Zoe Chapman, and Isaac Woodruff. She also has several nieces and nephews.

Learn more about Joyce, and visit with her family and friends on Sunday, November 20, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the RDMG Life Story Funeral Home, Vicksburg. A Life Story funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 21, at the same location. Burial next to her husband, Foist, will be at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. Please visit Joyce's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may archive a favorite memory, order flowers or make a memorial contribution to Kairos Dwelling. This is where she spent her final days, and the "family" at Kairos gave her the best care and attention possible. We will be forever grateful to all those who make this unique and caring facility possible.