Joyce was born in Flint, Michigan, on October 22, 1934, to Edgar Amos and Pearl Belva (Billing) Booth of Saskatchewan, Canada. She attended Flint Northern High School, Flint Junior College (Mott Community College) and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she graduated with a degree in Physical Therapy.
Upon graduation and marriage she worked at Hurley Hospital, various home health agencies and at the Durant-Tuuri-Mott (DTM) elementary school; working with disabled children. She attended First Presbyterian Church of Flint acting as a choir mother, was a Flushing High School band booster and Apple Club member. A staunch fan of the University of Michigan, she attended U of M Bowl and football games and enjoyed alumni trips.
Formerly a sixty-year resident of Flushing, she loved her family, her home and her community. Joyce was an avid reader who believed in the power of education. Post-retirement from DTM she spent her time traveling, enjoying theatre productions, the symphony, art fairs, antiquing, small family gatherings, her close neighbors and observing her backyard wild birds.
Joyce leaves behind her cherished daughter Julie (Kent) Sears; grandchildren Kelly Nichols and Jenna Wise; daughter-in-law Beth Wise; in addition to several cousins, numerous close friends and her beloved cats. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband John, and son Joel.
Her strength, resilience and love for adventure will be missed.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be planned at a later date.
Special thanks to the staff at Story Point Fenton and the Medical Team Hospice for their care and compassion.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to The Humane Society of Genesee County, MI (geneseehumane.org) or The University of Michigan (Flint) Physical Therapy scholarship program (umflint.edu) or (giving.umich.edu.) on her behalf.
