

It is with loving memories in our hearts that we announce the passing of Joyce Lionel McCorkle Thams, who departed this life on March 29, 2025 at the age of 92. Joyce was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She was cherished by all who knew her for her warmth, kindness and unwavering spirit.
Born in South Bend, Indiana and raised in McMinnville Tennessee, Joyce lived a life marked by love, generosity, hard work and dedication to family and friends. She shared many passions with her late husband Dick, from boating through the Great Lakes, touring the country in one of their antique automobiles dressed in period clothing, skiing at Otsego Ski Club or golfing in Florida. She loved watching all sports on television, but her favorite was watching the Detroit Tigers. She knew all the players and never missed a game! Joyce read the Wall Street Journal every morning and enjoyed talking about her stock predictions with her kids. She loved a good game of Bridge or a family Euchre tournament during Christmas. Christmas was her favorite holiday and her huge family gatherings at the family home in Gaylord Michigan was an occasion her whole family looked forward to attending. The chaos of 4 generations and more than 30 people staying together in the same house gave her pure joy.
Joyce is survived by her six children, children Scott Thams (Shelly); Sharon Thams Carter; Kirk Thams (Jana); Keith Thams (Jacqueline); Judy Thams; and Eric Thams (Lisa), 14 grandchildren, Lauren, Claire, Carrie, Jessica, Maya, Grace, Jake, Kelsie, Maita, Stephanie, Frankie, Ellie, Tommy, Giovanni, 9 great-grandchildren, brother James McCorkle (Georgia) and sister Harriett Jean Brown, who will forever hold her in their hearts. She is now reunited with those who passed before her, including husband of 63 years, Richard W ‘Dick’. Thams, siblings, Judy Jones, Nina Causley, and Jo Ellen Longshore.
A visitation will be held at AH Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Avenue, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236 on Tuesday April 15, 2025, from 4-8 PM.
A memorial service to celebrate a life well lived by Joyce will take place at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 375 Lothrop Road, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236 on Wednesday, April 16, at 11:00am.
Joyce’s love, wisdom, and laughter will be dearly missed but will live on in the countless lives she touched. May she rest in peace.
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