Joyce Pulsifer

In as much as she gave, Joyce Pulsifer was loved abundantly and cherished in the hearts of many. A spirited woman who found joy and contentment in the family she loved, she also enjoyed the blessing of good friendships. A loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Joyce will be long remembered and sadly missed. By 1932, the economy continued to deteriorate as a result of the Great Depression. Unemployment increased to over 24 percent with an astounding 13 million out of work. Many struggled to keep their families fed and a roof over their heads. Even so, the entertainment industry grew by leaps and bounds and was a welcome deviation from everyday worries. Yet for Fredrick and Clara Helen (Bromley) Barnhard, the year offered hope and promise as they celebrated the birth of their little girl, Joyce Marie on September 13, 1932. Born and raised in the lakeshore city of Muskegon, Michigan, Joyce grew up alongside her siblings, Robert, Warren, Margaret, Merle, Maxine, Donna, and Dale. The second youngest of eight children in her bustling household, her father worked as a mail carrier, milkman, and as a laborer in one of the many local factories. Along with keeping up as a homemaker, Joyces mother worked in private homes for individuals. Joyce and her family made their home in Muskegon on First Street where many memorable times were shared. With such a large family and the times as they were, they didnt do much in the way of entertainment, but they did enjoy great times spent at her grandfathers farm at Central Lake. Through her youth, Joyce shared a special friendship with Sally Dault and Elaine Hoolahand and the three of them were nearly inseparable. Joyce attended Muskegon Public Schools through the tenth grade. She loved to roller skate, and did so at every opportunity. As fate would have it, one time while skating at Curve Crest Roller Rink, Joyce met the young man of her dreams. Richard Rich Pulsifer swept Joyce off her feet. She preferred calling him Dick, and affectionately referred to him as, Dickie Boy. When Joyce was merely 17, Dick asked for her hand in marriage, but her parents would not consent until she was 18. So on February 24, 1951 they were happily joined in marriage as husband and wife. As it turned out, Joyce and Dick came to be divorced for 10 years later on but the family was joyfully rejoined when they remarried in 1983 with the whole family participating in a grand wedding ceremony. Joyce joined her husband at Fort Riley, Kansas where he was stationed while in the service. The area experienced a time of great flooding that year which was an experience Joyce never forgot. In fact, she even submitted her story of this devastating time to the NBC Network but they declined going any further with it. Nothing brought Joyce greater joy than making a good home for Dick and their children. The birth of Sue Ann in 1953, Rickey Allen Rick in 1955, and James Fredrick in 1960 was the greatest blessing for Joyce. They began raising their children in their house on Sheridan Drive until around 1963 when they bought a home on Cleveland Street in Muskegon Heights. Extremely family oriented, they always spent Sunday afternoons at Dicks parents home for supper, and shared every Christmas Eve there for years complete with Santa Claus and gifts. When her sister lived in Texas and Florida, it made for fun road trips for Joyce and her family. They also took several trips to northern Michigan. Whenever they traveled, meals were prepared with their camp cook stove set-up at a roadside park. When they needed a place to stay during the night, a motel complete with a kitchenette was a welcome addition. Fun-loving was a part of Joyces nature. When her daughter, Sue was older, theyd be driving in the car when Sue and her friend would pull a Chinese fire drill on Joyce. One time, Joyce turned things around when she initiated a drill at the corner of Peck and Laketon Streets! Joyce and Dick eventually moved to Apple-Carr Village in Muskegon Township. In her early years, Joyce worked at Chadwicks Restaurant at Broadway and Getty. She later went to work at Hackley Hospital as a physical therapy assistant where she remained for ten years. In her free time, Joyce enjoyed Bingo, working on her embroidery, and camping at the TTCM Camping Club where she made many friends. Joyce was also a member of TOPS, and enjoyed ceramics, too. For many years, her dachshund, Candy was a part of the family along with her most recent pet, her cat, Sherry. A most memorable time for Joyce was in the summer of 1985 when she, along with her daughter Sue, and granddaughter, Kelli traveled to Spain when Kelli was a student with Gonyon Dance Studios. Some of the most memorable times Joyces family shared included their trips and many family get-togethers, particularly during the holidays. They especially hold fond memories of spending time together at picturesque Hamlin Lake near Ludington. In all ways, spending time surrounded by the family she adored brought Joyce much peace and contentment. She relished being the center of attention, and savored the company of family and good friends. Ever loving and giving, Joyce clearly made her mark on the hearts of those who knew and loved her, and will be deeply missed. Mrs. Joyce Marie Pulsifer, age 82, passed away Wednesday, May 20, 2015. SURVIVORS: Husband of 31 years, Richard "Dick"; sons, Rick (Colleen) Pulsifer, James (Laura) Pulsifer; daughter, Sue (Ford) Redding; 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; brother, Dale (Linda) Barnhard; and sister, Maxine Boucher. Joyce was preceded in death by her brothers, Warren, Robert and Merle; sisters, Margaret Hill and Donna Benson. SERVICE: Wednesday, May 27, 2015, 11:00 AM at the Clock Chapel-Muskegon with Rev. Marcy Miller officiating. Interment in Lakeside Cemetery. VISITATION: Tuesday, May 26, 2015, 6-8 PM at Clock Funeral Home-Muskegon. MEMORIAL: Harbor Hospice Poppen House. To share a favorite memory or photo of Joyce and to sign her online guest book, please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com.