Joyce Irene Benham

Joyce moved to Coldwater at the age of 12, went through Coldwater High School and graduated in 1948. She worked at Feller’s Music Mart for many years, Administrative Secretary at the Community Health Center, buyer for Three Rivers Hospital, Administrative Secretary at Van Buren County Mental Health in Paw Paw, Robert Brown D.D.S. and Dr. Bob Krutsch, retiring after 60 years of work.

She had a love of all music, singing in church choirs since she was 12 years old, singing in the school choir, Sweet Adeline’s and most recently the First Baptist Church choir. Joyce enjoyed playing games, dancing, family gatherings with kids, grandkids, great grandkids.

Joyce had volunteered at the Burnside Senior Center, Community Health Center, Southern Care Hospice and Drew’s Place Assisted Living.

Joyce is survived by her daughter, Kimberly (Jolley) and Gerry Dulin of Battle Creek, grandchildren; Amanda Wright of Coldwater, Jacob Briggs of Marshall, Chase Briggs of Gillette, WY and Brian Rubley of Battle Creek, great grandchildren; Gavin & Gabrielle Omo of Coldwater, Bentley and Breelynn Briggs of Marshall. Step-daughter Diann (Benham) & Jim Danhoff of Richland, step-son, John & Merridee Benham of Blaine, MN and their families and dear companion, Gordon Gentry. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Robert, former husband, Santford Jolley and husband, Pastor John Benham.

A gathering of family and friends will take place Wednesday, April 20, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church. A Memorial service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church with Pastor Dave Anderson officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Heritage Community of Kalamazoo Foundation, 2300 Portage Rd., Kalamazoo, MI 49001 or Kairos Dwelling, 2945 Gull Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49001.