Joyce Arlene

Joyce Arlene (Irish) Barker age 85, of Greenville, was born in Belding on October 15, 1931 and joined her husband Terry (1925-1995) at 9 PM Saturday, April 15, 2017. Joyce passed away at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. Joyce lived most of her life in Greenville, the last 60 years on Orange Street, was a 1949 graduate of Greenville High School, was employed as the principal’s secretary at Greenville Middle School for 27 years and for her outstanding service, dedication and support of the Greenville Schools she was awarded the School Bell Award in 1987. In retirement Joyce volunteered for several years in the lunch program at St. Charles Catholic School. Joyce was always involved in the lives of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved flowers, playing bridge, baking goodies for the Red Cross and her grandchildren’s athletic teams. She especially enjoyed knitting stocking hats for babies, many of which were donated to the Carson City Hospital Nursery. Joyce is survived by her children Mike and Karen Barker, Phil Barker, Kate and Craig Doezema and Dave and Karen Barker; 13 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren; siblings Wilma & (Larry) Ewing and William Irish and her in laws John & (Phyllis) Burke and Shirley Burke and her companion, Millie her dog. Funeral Mass will be 11 AM Thursday, April 20, 2017 at St. Charles Catholic Church, celebrated by Fr. Jim Wyse. Visitation will be Wednesday for 4 to 7 PM at the Marshall Funeral Home, Greenville, with a rosary recited at 7 PM. Visitation will also be at the church on Thursday 1 hour before the funeral mass. Burial will be in St. Charles Catholic Cemetery. The family suggest that memorial contributions be made in Joyce’s name to the St. Charles Catholic School.