Joyce Meyer

Joyce Elaine Meyer was a woman who always put others before herself. She demonstrated it by the way she cared for her loved ones. She was fun loving, enjoying the jitterbug and a good Elvis tune. She poured out her love on her family and her favorite dog, Maggie.

Born in Kalamazoo on April 8, 1940, Joyce arrived in a world filled with turmoil. Europe was already engaged in World War II and there were rumors about the potential of American involvement. The United States was in and out of the war before Joyce was old enough to realize or remember much about it. Gasoline rationing and rubber drives meant little to a small child, and under the loving care of her parents, Marcus and Mary (McCurdie) Derhammer, Joyce had a pleasant childhood. She spent a lot of her time in a camper at Paw Paw Lake. Joyce enjoyed baton twirling and ice skating. A lot of her childhood was spent playing with her cousin Wayne Vickery.

Her mother and father had suffered the loss of their young son Ronnie before Joyce was born, and they treasured every moment they had with their little girl. Marcus worked as an electrician and Mary stayed home, occasionally wallpapering and painting around town. Joyce graduated from Mattawan High School with the class of 1958.

The following fall, Joyce married Mel Meyer on September 12. She worked at Upjohn for a couple of years until she and Mel had children. Their three sons, Alan, Terry, and Larry, were a source of pride and joy. The family took vacations together, driving to the east coast and into Canada. They bought a cabin in Baldwin, visiting with family while enjoying the peace and solitude of the surroundings. Summer vacations were often taken with a couple of other families, providing many hours of fun and relaxation.

Mel and Joyce owned Mel's Service Station in Schoolcraft for twenty-six years. While the boys were in school, Joyce stayed home with them and worked at the service station. In the mid 1980s, she went to work for Maro, Inc. in Schoolcraft, retiring from there in 2003.

In 1998, Joyce endured the greatest tragedy of a mother when her son, Alan, passed away. She took great comfort in the remaining members of the family and her three grandchildren were a special joy. She loved bringing them sweet treats, and their smiles and laughter lifted her heart.

Joyce Meyer died on Tuesday, February 15, 2005, at the age of sixty-four with her sons by her side. Learn more about Joyce, view her Life Story film, and visit with her family and friends on Friday, February 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the ™ - RDMG Life Story Funeral Home, Vicksburg Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 19, at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Schoolcraft Cemetery.

Members of Joyce's family include her two sons and their spouses: Terry and Marcia Meyer and Larry and Michelle Meyer, all of Schoolcraft; three grandchildren: Andrea, Taylor, and Logan; her parents, Marcus and Mary Derhammer of Schoolcraft; her former husband, Mel Meyer, of Baldwin; and many cousins. Her son, Alan Meyer, preceded Joyce in death. Please visit Joyce's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory, order flowers, or make a memorial donation to the West Michigan Cancer Center.