JoVona Keathley Cisco

JoVona K. Cisco (nee: Keathley), age 59 of Grosse Pointe Shores, went to be with her Lord on Thursday, May 15,2014 after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer. She passed at home in the company of her loved ones, the greatest support God could have provided amidst the fight. She was born April 27, 1955 in Wyandotte, Michigan, the daughter of Elmer and Betty Keathley. Following her hometown elementary, middle and high school education, JoVona took the leap of venturing away from home to further her studies at Ferris State University. She was employed as an accountant with the Dillon Energy Company in St, Clair Shores, a position she held in the highest regard and served with the utmost in dedication and diligence. Yet for those who truly knew JoVona, they'll attest to the fact that the better part of herself was poured into the various ministerial hats she wore as a member of the First English Evangelical Lutheran Church in Grosse Pointe Woods. She was a devout woman of faith who found great reward through her involvement with the church and the ministry God had given her in helping others. JoVona possessed a unique and genuine servant's heart that was always willing to lend a hand, an ear, or a prayer if needed. She was a respected Past President of the Assistance League to the Northeast Guidance Center, a member of her church's Peace Circle, as well as many other affiliations and charitable offerings within the church . She also loved her Book Club. Another benefactor of JoVona's giving heart and spirit were the folks at the Grosse Pointe School system. When she wasn't working or attending to matters of the church, one of JoVona's favorite places to get away to was her home up at Burt Lake in the upper part of the lower peninsula. Nestled in the heart of Cheboygan County, and just a few clicks south of the Mighty Mac, it was the perfect escape from the concrete jungle and a peaceful setting to regroup & refresh. There was a sweet release in the serenity it offered, and she could never get enough of its beauty. But her time in the lower part of the Mitten wasn't without its pleasures. A little time off would often find JoVona enjoying other pastimes like a rousing game of tennis, or perhaps a day of boating on the lake. She also excelled at gaming when it came to the cerebral challenges of Scrabble, or maybe a little Words With Friends action on the smartphone. She was known for her love of dogs, and for her favorite Boys of Summer, the Detroit Tigers. When it came to rooting on your hometown athletes, the Tigers had no greater fan than JoVona!Yet of all the sources of joy in her life, none could hold a candle to that which she found in her family. A loving wife, mother, and sister, JoVona's impact on her loved ones was immeasurable, and its returned blessings indescribable. She poured so much of herself into every life that crossed her path, and managed to attain a storehouse of wonderful memories in the process. And then,...there were her sons, the light of her life and 3 of the greatest blessings that God had bestowed unto her. She loved them with all her heart, and in ways that words simply fall too short to describe. But they knew,...and" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">...and" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">...and that love will never depart. She was...a devoted wife,...a nurturing Mom,...a playful sister,...a dedicated worker,...a devout Christian,...and a friend to thousands. She touched a multitude of hearts along the way, and truly lived out the Biblical admonition to "consider others more important than yourself." A life gone far too soon from our presence, she leaves behind lessons and a legacy of love for us all to aspire to as we walk this sod. She showed us how to fight the good fight of faith,...and now, ours is to live accordingly and love as unconditionally. Go rest high, dear sister.JoVona was the beloved wife of Brian. Loving mother of James (Lauren) Cisco, Patrick (Lane) Cisco, and Aaron Cisco. Cherished daughter of Betty (Glen) Ross of Brutus, Michigan, and Elmer (Carol) Keathley of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Sister of James Keathley, Donna McDougall, Harry (Kellie) Keathley, and step-sister, Shannon Keathley. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews, and countless friends. A Memorial Visitation for JoVona will be held Saturday, May 31st from 11:00am until time of the Memorial Service at 1:00pm at First English Evangelical Lutheran Church, 800 Vernier Road, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236. Donations are welcomed to the church's building or organ funds, c/o First English Evangelical Lutheran Church, to the address listed above. Please share memories of JoVona at her memory book.