JoAnn Eddy

JoAnn Eddy 87 of Plainwell, Michigan went to be with her Lord on November 1, 2024.

JoAnn White was born and raised in the Kalamazoo area. An avid pianist, JoAnn also played and taught accordion lessons during high school. She graduated from Kalamazoo Central where she met the love of her life, Kenneth Eddy.

After attending Northwestern University in Chicago JoAnn graduated from WMU with her degree in Music. JoAnn and Ken married in 1958, and built a house in Portage, where their 3 children were born: Deneen (Brian) Lindberg, Kenneth David, and Paul (Christine). Putting her degree to work, JoAnn led several vocal choirs and a bell choir at 1st United Methodist Church in Portage and did the bookkeeping for Ken's business, Eddy Graphic Design.

Ken and JoAnn both received their single engine pilot's licenses, and began a search for a farm where they could put in a runway. In 1970 the family purchased Butternut Farm, near Doster and soon the potential runway became a cow pasture and a giant garden with all kinds of produce for canning and freezing.

Becoming active at Doster Reformed Church, JoAnn played organ, organized high school and young married's Bible Studies, and led the New Life Singers, a Contemporary Christian singing group with members ranging from high school to post college.

JoAnn was involved at Kalamazoo Gospel Mission and was eventually called upon to help develop Interchange, a youth outreach organization based in the Allegan area.

In 1986, JoAnn went back to WMU to get her degree in counseling after which she opened Interlude Christian Counseling in Richland. After retirement she and Ken opened Butternut Shoppe Antiques. They also began attending Third Reformed Church and Otsego Methodist to worship with some of her six grandchildren (Amanda (Chris) Slinkman, Janelle Eddy, Jason (Samantha) Lindberg, Jared (Jennifer) Lindberg, Brad (Hannah) Eddy, and Sarah (Jeremy) Spencer and eight great grandchildren.

JoAnn loved grandma day with her grandchildren, brownie delivery visits by her great grandchildren, flowers, and praising God through music.

JoAnn's family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at the Williams-Gores Funeral Home, Delton from 4:00-7:00 PM, where her funeral service will be conducted on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 2:00 PM. Pastor Joe Shaler, Parchment United Methodist Church, will officiate. Private burial will take place at Prairieville Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be given to Christian Neighbors food pantry, 282 12th St, Plainwell, MI 49080.