Joyce Cotton

Through the life of Joyce Cotton we learn that each day is a gift to be cherished. She never took even one moment for granted, and her life exemplifies what it looks like to care more about others than ourselves. Someone who always wanted to look her best, Joyce was a devoted wife and mother who treasured her family above everything else in this world. She was a friend to many and enjoyed sharing her days with friends and family alike and in so doing, brightened the days of all in her path. Joyces selfless acts, fun loving personality, and tender touch will be deeply missed by all who held her dear. It seems only fitting that Joyces story begins during a time that was as vibrant and lively as she was. The Roaring Twenties were predominantly prosperous years in which we said goodbye to the silent film era, took in shows on Broadway during its all-time peak, and welcomed the radio that provided news, entertainment, and music. As this decade was drawing to a close a young family from Muskegon, Michigan, eagerly awaited the birth of their seventh child. Joyce Arlene was welcomed into the arms of her parents, Charles and Sarah (Ferguson) Gallup, on December 21, 1928, rounding out their already bustling family that included Forrest, Mabel, Ethel, Maxine, Viv and Jigs. Her father worked in manufacturing while her mother was a busy homemaker. For a time the Gallups lived in Grand Rapids, but they later returned to Muskegon. Joyce was raised in a strict home and was not allowed to wear makeup or attend dances. A bit of a free thinker, Joyce often snuck out and went over to her friends house where she did in fact dress up and put on makeup. She was an attractive young lady who turned many heads throughout her years in school. One young man who couldnt help but notice her was Charles Cotton, Jr. A dating relationship ensued between Joyce and Chuck, and the pair became a well known couple at Muskegon High School. After graduation Chuck went off to serve in the Army for a few years, but the couple corresponded through letters and fell even more deeply in love. Once Chuck returned to Muskegon, the couple was united in marriage on June 26, 1948. It wasnt long before they were blessed with the birth of their first daughter, Susan, in 1949. In 1952 they welcomed their daughter, Cindy, into their hearts and home and with the birth of Charles Chip III in 1958, their family was complete. Joyce and Chuck raised their children in the home on Cambridge in the Roodmont neighborhood that is where she remained for most of her life. The Cotton home was always a place for both love and fun times. Chuck worked in the family painting business while Joyce was able to devote her time to caring for the home and their children. The family cottage on Portage Lake near Manistee provided the backdrop for memorable times for generations to come. Joyce and Chuck took their children there nearly every weekend where they enjoyed time with extended family of all ages. As their children got a bit older they began going to the cottage in the winter to go snow skiing at Caberfae or Big M, often with their good friends the Dahlquists and the Mortensons. Their love for skiing as a family also took them to Aspen and Vail in Colorado with their children and their friends, too. There were so many attributes that were unique to Joyce that made her so easy to love. She was very social and was always on the lookout for a good time. She and Chuck were active in the community, members of the Elks, and liked to play cards with friends. They also loved going out for the evening to dance the night away when the big bands were in town. Once her children were grown Joyce worked part-time at the Cradle Shop and the Nearly New Shop, and she also did volunteer work in the gift shop at Hackley Hospital. Joyce always paid careful attention to her appearance. She made sure she was dressed well and that her husband and children always looked their best when they were out in public, which meant that her children were not allowed to wear blue jeans for many years. Her attention to detail also carried over to her home as she saw to it that it was spic and span. Joyce attended Forest Park Covenant Church, and she also liked playing bridge. Later in life Joyce experienced both peaks and valleys along her lifes journey. During their retirement years she and Chuck wintered in Naples, Florida, where they enjoyed playing golf together and spending time with their many friends who also spent their winters there. In celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary, they took a memorable trip across Lake Michigan on the ferry with their daughters and son. Life became more challenging for Joyce and those who loved her when she began showing signs of Alzheimers disease in her mid seventies. Chuck took great care of her for as long as he was able. She eventually needed more care than he could provide so she moved to Brookhaven Nursing Home where she remained for nearly four years. Joyce never complained there, always smiled, and spread her warmth to the staff who deeply loved her. Chuck visited the love of his life every day to visit with her and make sure she had everything she needed. Joyces children and grandchildren visited regularly as well and these were always times that were special to everyone involved. With an insatiable zest for life, Joyce Cotton brought so much sunshine to the world around her. She was truly beautiful on the inside and out and filled with unending love for her family and friends. As her husband and children can attest, Joyce poured her heart and soul into shaping generations to come through her selfless devotion in things both great and small. Life will never be the same without Joyce here, but all who knew her will be forever changed for the better because of her. Joyce A. Cotton died on Thursday, July 21, 2011. Joyces family includes her husband, Charles; daughters, Susan (Rick) Willinger of Grand Rapids, Cindy (Tony) Noel of FL; son, Charles "Chip" Cotton III of CO; grandchildren, Danielle Brown, Nicole Meier, Julie Murray, Eric Willinger, Ryan Willinger, Matt Willinger, Corey Willinger; 3 great grandchildren, Chance, Blake, Jack; brother-in-law, Lloyd (Donna) Cotton. Joyce was preceded in death by her great-grandbaby, Will. A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 25, 2011, 11:00 a.m. with visitation 1 hour prior to the service at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Rev. Wally Coots officiating. Memorials may be directed to Harbor Hospice. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.