Joyce Ann Lemons

Joyce LemonsJoyce Ann Lemons, 68, of Lansing, died October 24, 2012. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Mary (Hands) Griffin, her husband Martin Lemons, and her son John Lemons.

Born September 15, 1944 in Lansing, Joyce attended Everett High School, graduating in 1962. She married Martin Lemons, and together they raised two children, John and Diane.

Joyce worked for many years as a teaching assistant at Holmes Street School in Lansing. She then became known to many of the neighborhood children as “the church lady”, when she served as secretary of Potter Park United Methodist Church until her retirement in 2003. Always present with an after school snack or a hug, she was a loving example for many children and families in the area.

Joyce is survived by her daughter Diane (Rick) Garnaat of Lansing, beloved grandchildren Ian and Emma Garnaat, sister Bette Griffin (Scott Massey) of Bentonville, Arkansas, niece Jennifer Fuller of Lansing, dear friend Deb Biehler and many special friends and loved ones.

The funeral service will be held at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel on Monday, October 29, 2012, at 12:00 p.m. The family will receive friends Sunday from 2-5 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the education fund for the grandchildren in care of Diane Garnaat.

Print Obituary

3 Messages to “Joyce Ann Lemons

Print Messages
Angie Harcus
October 25, 2012 at 6:00 pm

Mama Joyce was the kind of person you don’t often find. She was one of the most generous people I’ve ever known. If you knew her, you loved her and she most certainly loved you back. She treated so many of us as her own children and always made sure we had something if we needed it, whether it was a Carnation Instant Breakfast while getting ready for school in the morning, a few bucks for gas or food, or just some money for your wallet because she believed a girl should always have her own money, just in case. She gave to everyone she knew with her whole heart and always from a good place, never for recognition. Perhaps the greatest gift she gave was her daughter, who is, no doubt, Mama Joyce’s legacy. The world has lost one of its’ true gems, but we are all better just for sharing our lives with her. Rest well, Mama Joyce. Keep those boys in line and tell them I said hi. I love you and I thank you for always loving me as one of your own.

Reply
Anonymous
October 26, 2012 at 1:16 am

It was a pleasure to have gotten to know Joyce from Spec – Tran. I was one of her drivers and I enjoyed talking to her. I will miss her deeply. I know many people will miss her as well. She has left us all with great memories and it was a pleasure to have her as a client. Natalie A.

Reply
Melisa, Patrick, MyKenzi Biehler
October 27, 2012 at 5:30 pm

Joyce was such a great lady. I met her 5 years ago, and loved her from the day I met her! She always had a kind word, or a hug, and a smile on her face! For the past few months I had the pleasure of attending church on Sunday mornings with my family and Joyce and Deb. She always sent cards on Holidays and Birthdays, it was something our daughter MyKenzi always looked forward to! She will be deeply missed and never forgotten. We wish her family and friends the best and we send our blessings to all that they are able to get through this trying time. Joyce will live on through our memories of her and through our hearts.

Reply

Please Sign The Guestbook

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *