Joyce Whitlow

Joyce Whitlow was a caring, joyful woman who was skilled in showing love to those around her. From welcoming friends into her home to cheering her grandchildren on at their events and activities, Joyce had a knack for making those closest to her feel special and loved, and was a warm, kind woman. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Joyce brought true joy into the lives of those around her. The year 1929 is most famous for one thingthe dawn of the Great Depression. In October of 1929, the nation witnessed an unheard of event as the stock market crashed, bringing the nation's sense of wellbeing and security down with it. Over the next decade, money would be tight, jobs scarce, and tensions high throughout a nation that was trying desperately to rally. But in May of 1929, when Joyce's story begins, Thomas and Irene (Priebe) Wilks were enjoying their life in Muskegon, Michigan, and spent their time in busy preparation for the arrival of their first child. One spring day, on May 17, 1929, they welcomed their precious new baby into the world, a daughter who they named Joyce Lorraine. Joyce spent her childhood in Muskegon, Michigan, where she grew alongside her younger brother, Robert. When Joyce was still young, she experienced the first great tragedy of her life when her father, Thomas, passed away. Joyce's mother, Irene, never remarried, but instead bravely raised her children on her own. Joyce and her mother and brother lived in various places in downtown Muskegon, and Irene supported her family by working at Shaw Walker. As a child, Joyce enjoyed taking dance lessons. In her teenage years, Joyce attended Muskegon High School, where she was a cheerleader. She proudly graduated with her class in 1947. When Joyce was still in high school, she met a young man named Stanley Whitlow. He attended Muskegon Heights High School, which was across town and held a big rivalry with Joyce's high school. But despite their school loyalties, Joyce and Stanley started dating, and it didn't take long for Joyce to discover that Stanley was the one. Both Stanley and Joyce graduated from High School in spring of 1947, and that same fall they committed their lives to one another. Joyce and Stanley were married on September 26, 1947. After their wedding, the newlyweds settled into a house on Isabella Street in downtown Muskegon. While there, they started a family, and Joyce gave birth to three sons, Al in 1948, Stephen in 1949 and Anthony in 1951. Joyce found her true calling as a mother, and took great joy in the role. She did everything she could to be involved in the lives of her sons, and from serving on the PTA to volunteering at their school, Churchill Elementary and helping with cub scouts. As her sons grew older and became involved in sports, she was devoted to making sure they arrived at their events well fed and on time, even when the schedules proved tricky. She was a loyal fan at all their games, and was always there to cheer them on. In 1955, the family moved to a home on Henry Street in Norton Shores, where they lived for ten years. Joyce and Stanley enjoyed making their house a welcoming place, always ready to host a bridge party or a get together with friends. Joyce was a wonderful cook and baker, and the house was always filled with cookies for her sons and their friends. When her children had grown and started families of their own, Joyce was thrilled to be a grandmother, and was eager to take an active role in their lives. She had more toys at her house than the grandkids had in their own, and enjoyed every minute that they spent at her home. Joyce enjoyed watching them regularly, and loved playing board games together and swimming in the pool. As her grandchildren grew older and became involved in sports, she was sure to cheer them on, just as she had her own sons. When Joyce's sons were younger, she had taught them how to cook. With her grandkids, Joyce enjoyed the opportunity to pass on her skills to yet another generation, and often let them help her in the kitchen. In her spare time, Joyce enjoyed spending time with her mother, who she had a close relationship with throughout her life. She also enjoyed being active in her community, taking part in bridge clubs and volunteering for the City of Norton Shores during elections. After Stan retired, he and Joyce enjoyed traveling together. They took several trips to Florida and other places to visit relatives, and shared a memorable cruise in Alaska. Unfortunately, Stan developed health problems, but Joyce was always by his side, ready to care for him. His health issues slowed down their social life a bit, but they still made every effort to keep busy with friends and family. Joyce enjoyed spending time with Stanley however she could, and the two often watched sports on TV together. Joyce was deeply saddened by Stanley's death in 2008, but took comfort in the support of her friends and family. She was able to remain at home, but was always thankful for the help of her family and for her wonderful in-home caretaker, Annie Sieffert. Joyce continued to do the activities that she had always done with Stanley, like watching sports and visiting with relatives. Unfortunately, she eventually began to slow down due to some issues with Alzheimer's. Joyce was a loving, devoted woman who dedicated her life to being a wonderful mother and grandmother. With a talent for cooking and entertaining, Joyce was always happiest when she was sharing her home with those she loved most, her family and friends. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Joyce will be dearly missed, but fondly remembered. Joyce died on Wednesday, March 2, 2011. She is survived by her sons, Al (Kathy Reynolds) Whitlow, Stephen (Esther) Whitlow, Anthony (Raylene) Whitlow all of Muskegon; grandchildren, Heather (Tom) Paquin of Washington DC, Laurel (Linden) Peterson, Shannon Whitlow, Tyler Whitlow, all of Muskegon; great grandchildren, Avery and Hunter; brother, Robert (Carol) Wilks of CA. She was preceded in death by her husband. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 7, 2011, 2:00 PM at the Clock Chapel in Muskegon. Friends may visit with family one hour prior to the service. Interment at Oakwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Harbor Hospice or Alzheimers Association. To learn more about Joyce, please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you may leave a memory or photo and sign the online guest book.