Joanne Cerra

Joanne was born in Grand Rapids, MI on March 22, 1937 to Henry and Helen Sonneveldt. She graduated from Milwaukee Bible Institute (now Grace Bible College) in 1961 with a degree in Christian Education. While she was there, she met and married Joseph Cerra. In 1965, they welcomed their daughter Mary Helen and in 1970 their son Joseph “Peter”. In 1993, they welcomed their only grandchild Trent Richard.

Since 1969, Joanne and Joseph served as missionaries to the island of Puerto Rico. First, they served under Grace Ministries International and most recently under San German Ministries. For 10 years, she taught at SESO (a private academy in Puerto Rico.) With a heart for missions and education, they established the Caribbean Grace Academy in San German, PR in 1988 and had the privilege to be a Christian influence in the lives of many children and young people. Retirement was never in the plans, so the ministry in PR continues.

Joanne was a dedicated and loving wife, mother and grandmother who was very interested in everything that was going on in the lives of her children and grandchild and the lives of her sister, Barb, and her three nieces as well as all extended family. She loved being with family and friends at gatherings in Grand Rapids, most recently her 80th birthday party in March of this year.

Some words to describe Joanne: Loving, Dedicated, Organized, Meticulous (especially in her bookkeeping) and Generous.

She will be missed greatly by her husband of 54 years, Joseph, her daughter Mary Bennett, son Joseph “Peter” (wife Amy), grandson Trent Richard, her sister Barb Register (Erwin) and her extended family and friends.

A memorial service will be held on November 15 at 11AM at Rush Creek Bible Church in Byron Center, MI.

In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to San German Ministries, F-11 Calle 5 Repto. Univ., San German, PR 00683.