Joyce E. Yerks

Joyce was born on September 3, 1929 in Pontiac, Michigan to Edward and Grace Stephens. She went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 25, 2025. Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 51 years, Donald E. Yerks and her parents Edward and Grace Stephens. Joyce is survived by her children Donald (Ellen), Robert (Cathy), Steven and Janet Yerks. She was a loving grandmother to Daniel (Jennifer), Jennifer (Sanjiban) Kundu, Robert (Pamela), Ethan (Ellen) and Katherine Yerks. Joyce delighted in her great grandchildren Andrew, Emily, and Walter Yerks. She is also survived by her brother Richard (Alice) Stephens, niece Linn Torres, and nephews Glenn (Julie) and Tim Stephens.

Joyce graduated from Fowlerville High School in 1947. There she was a member of the cheerleading squad, girls’ basketball team and homecoming court. After high school Joyce worked in the office of General Motors (Fisher Body). She attended the First Baptist Church of Fowlerville where she met her husband, Don. They were married on June 9, 1951, and honeymooned in Florida. Don and Joyce moved into their Livonia home in 1953 and she was happy there for 72 years. She was the last original homeowner on her street.

Soon after moving into their home Don and Joyce found Calvary Baptist Church of Plymouth (now Canton). She was a faithful member for 68 years. Joyce enjoyed singing in the choir, teaching children’s Sunday School, and working with the Awana program. Joyce also participated in the ladies’ missionary fellowship, folding the weekly bulletins and any other task where her help was needed.

Joyce worked for Livonia Public Schools as a school bus driver for 21 years, retiring in December of 1988. Her family delighted in being regaled by her many “Bus Driver Stories” at the supper table. After her retirement she volunteered her services at Plymouth Christian Academy by driving students to sporting events and field trips.

Joyce enjoyed traveling with her Porta-Cabin pop up trailer. Many of the camping trips included other families from church. She loved traveling all throughout the United States and abroad. Her trips included three World’s Fairs, the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona Spain, the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany, the Holy Land, an African Safari, and many cruises; including the Panama Cannel and Alaska.

In her later years she was always ready to make the long trip to the Michigan UP to visit Rob, Pam, and Walter. Joyce also loved visiting lighthouses and climbing up in them whenever possible.

Joyce had several hobbies. She was a very good knitter. She made knitted Christmas stockings for all the members in her family. She also liked to knit dishcloths, scarves, and hats. Joyce was a good seamstress and made some of her clothes and enjoyed quilting. In her later years she enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, word search puzzles, Sudoku, Chinese Checkers and playing the organ. Some of her favorite activities were going to her children’s and grandchildren’s sports or music events. She was passionate about keeping her home and yard tidy. If you passed by her house, you may have seen her picking up sticks from the maple trees she planted in 1954.

It was no secret that Joyce was an animal lover. She especially loved cats of all kinds; tigers, lions, and domesticated cats, of which she had six over the many years in her home (Pepper, Smokey, Rascal, Sassy, Missy, and Lucky). Joyce was a long-time member of the Detroit Zoo, and enjoyed visiting often.

Joyce spent much of her life on Elizabeth Lake in Waterford. She taught her children how to waterski and loved splashing around in the lake with her grandchildren. We spent many a lazy summer day just enjoying her hospitality.

Although we miss her very much, we rejoice knowing she is with her Lord and Savior in Heaven.

A visitation will be held at the R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Home, 15451 Farmington Rd., Livonia, Friday, May 2, 2025 from 2:00 – 8:00 PM and at the Calvary Baptist Church 43065 Joy Rd., Canton, Saturday, May 3, 2025 starting at 9:30 AM with Funeral Service to follow at 10:30 AM.

Memorials may be directed to Calvary Baptist Church. Please share a memory of Joyce by signing her Guestbook.