Joyce Garrison

For Joyce Garrison, “everyday was an adventure.” She gladly shared her time, energy and love with the world, expecting little in return. Ever an optimist, Joyce saw the cup as always half full, and each day held promises for good things to come. She was truly a remarkable woman with an unquenchable energy, an unforgettable smile and an immense love for family, friends and life itself.

The first years of the 1940s marked a tumultuous decade for America, as well as for the rest of the world. In Europe, fighting erupted between Allied and Axis forces and America would soon be drawn into this conflict by the bombing of Pearl Harbor. It was into this chaotic world that John E. Wells and his wife, Mildred G., of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan welcomed the birth of their beautiful daughter, Joyce, on April 5, 1941. Joyce was the youngest of their two daughters.

Along with her sister, Ruth Ann, Joyce grew up in the Upper Peninsula in the town of Chassell, and enjoyed a typical childhood of the time. Her sparkling smile and enthusiasm developed early on, as did her sense of adventure (there was always one waiting for her just around the corner). Joyce’s parents were both teachers in the area schools, so the family didn’t have much and lived frugally. Her father was also a stringent minister in the Church of the Brethren. Joyce received her education in the area schools, and graduated with her two best friends, Walleen Falsted and Judy Sentz, from Chassell High School. There were 23 in her graduating class. Joyce was cheerleader, and cheered on the boy's basketball teams who won Class D State Championships 3 years in a row (1956, 57 and 58).

After high school, Joyce attended Northern Michigan University, and it was during this time that she met her first husband, Walt Kyes, who was a student at Michigan Tech. The two fell in love and were eventually married. After some time, Walt and Joyce moved south to the Lower Peninsula, making their home in Haslett. It was here the couple raised their four wonderful children: Kerry Lynn, Kelly, Scott and Jeffrey. Although busy being a devoted mother and wife, Joyce found the energy to go back to school to and take some classes at Lansing Community College. Then, once the children were all in school, she ventured out to the workforce, taking a job at Michigan State University in the Physical Plant, where she had the privilege of working for 25 years. Unfortunately, during this time, Joyce’s marriage to Walt ended in divorce in 1983.

Joyce was a happy person and always tried to maintain a positive attitude. Her family was the center of her world, and she dedicated her life to making sure they were happy and well provided for. Meanwhile, Joyce found love again with Tom Garrison, who she had known for several years. He had relocated for a while with his company, but when he moved back he and Joyce reconnected at a holiday party, and it wasn’t long before they ventured out on their first date. A year later, Joyce and Tom were happily married and made their home together on Center Line Road. They had many wonderful family gatherings here around the pool over the years, which was like being on vacation for Joyce because wherever there was “sun, sand and water” – she was perfectly at home.

Family was the most important part of Joyce’s life, so it wasn’t out of character for her and Tom to bring her granddaughter, Elizabeth, into their home and raise and eventually adopt her. Joyce was passionate about being a part of her grandchildren’s lives, and like her own children, she took an active role in their lives, attending their school activities and sports events. Fun loving and full of life, there was always giggles and laughter in the air when Grandma Joyce was around.

Joyce and Tom had a wonderful marriage, and enjoyed many of the same activities. They loved to relax at their cottage in the Upper Peninsula, and travel whenever possible. Joyce had a “thing” for casinos and couldn’t get enough of those penny one-armed bandits. Tom traveled quite a bit for work. Joyce surprised him after one of his trips when he came home to find out she sold their house, and bought another one in town.

In January 2004, Joyce experienced the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, Kerry Lynn Kyes, something no mother should have to endure. About 18 months later, Joyce was dealt some unexpected news that she had stage 3C ovarian cancer, which she valiantly battled for the next 4 ½ years. Although hard, Joyce never lost hope and kept a positive spirit, staying focused on her own health, and as always, her family. From her time working at MSU, Joyce became close friends with Suzi Merchant, the coach of MSU’s Women’s basketball team, of which she was a die-hard and loyal fan. Just recently, Tom surprised Joyce with tickets to the Big Ten Women’s tournament in Indianapolis, which she was so excited about.

While in the hospital, Joyce refused to take off her shoes because she said, “If I take off my shoes they will want to keep me here.” Her husband and son removed her shoes late in the afternoon on Wednesday, May 5, 2010, as she went to be with her Lord. The sun will shine a little brighter as Joyce smiles down on us from her new home in Heaven.

Joyce will be so greatly missed by her loving family: husband, Tom; daughter, Kelly (Don) Wells; sons, Scott (Suzi) Kye, Jeffrey (Darcie) Kyes; stepdaughter, Tonya Keith; stepson, Chris (Lynn) Garrison; grandchildren: Lindsey Wells, Elizabeth Kyes, Jordan Wells, Cody Garrison, Brooke Garrison, Carson Keith, Emma Kyes, Maddy Kyes, John Kyes, Anna Kyes, Dorsey Keith and Jackson Kyes (deceased); sister, Ruth Ann Welsh; brothers-in-law, Chuck (Sandy) Garrison, Jim (Connie) Garrison and Jeff Garrison; sisters-in-law, Zora (Gary) Conley and Addie (Frank) Sudac; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins, also very special friend, Jon Feise.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 8, at Osgood Funeral Home, St. Johns, MI, with Rev. Matt Olson officiating. A private burial will be held at a later date. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Friday, May 7. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Joyce to First Congregational Church of St. Johns, MI. Please visit Joyce’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or photo with her family and/or sign her online guest book.