Joyce Lorraine Marr

After 90 years of life, the family of Joyce Lorraine Marr (née Gordon) announces her passing. Joyce passed away on May 7th, 2025 at her residence in Paw Paw, Michigan. Joyce was born on March 22nd, 1935 to parents Frank Gordon and Ida Gordon (née Wiersma).

Joyce is survived by 4 of her children, and their descendants. On October 15th, 1955, Joyce married her late husband, Floyd Marr. This union was the beginning of a long and beautiful life together, with 70 years of love between them. From the union of Floyd and Joyce, five children were born: Deborah Smith, Gregory Marr (deceased) (Beth Marr), Brenda Little (Christopher Little), Marsha Costales (Jorge Costales), and Jeffrey Marr (Anna Marr). Joyce deeply loved her family, and they were the pride and joy of her life. Joyce was always happy to spend time with her beloved family, through her final days. Joyce’s five children lead her to be a grandmother to 12, and a great-grandmother to 30. A grandmother to so many, Joyce loved and cared for each child in her family with fierceness and dedication.

Joyce was known to all as a person who was intricately involved with many hobbies and her community. Joyce loved the churches she attended in her lifetime. Ever since childhood and well into her later years, Joyce could be heard singing along with the choir, as hymns and liturgical music held a special joy in her heart. Joyce also took the lead on many church activities including fellowship activities with fellow church members, and volunteer opportunities such as Meals-on-Wheels and serving at the Gospel Mission; much of her time was spent in service to those in her community. In her free time, Joyce enjoyed many hobbies and activities. She created beautiful art and crafts through quilting, knitting, cross-stitch, ceramics, and more, which she joyfully shared and gave as gifts. Joyce was a reader for her whole life; regular bookclub with her friends was a staple of her life for many years. While the yard was primarily a hobby of her husband Floyd’s, Joyce was known for her keen taste in flowers, and her bleeding heart plants which bloomed every spring. Joyce’s other great love was sports. A tomboy as a child, Joyce spent her time playing kickball and baseball with the children in her neighborhood. This love lasted her lifetime, as nothing brought Joyce excitement like a Tigers game. Even better than professional sports, Joyce was in attendance at her grandchildren’s school sports games as often as possible, often attending several games in a week so that she could cheer on her beloved grandchildren from the stands.

Joyce is deeply loved by the people in her life. She was not only a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, but a fiercely strong woman who inspired those around her to be their best selves. Those who had the privilege of knowing Joyce knew there was always a pitcher of iced tea ready to be shared in the summertime, and there was always enough for another plate on the table. Joyce was quick with a biting joke, and just as quick with a hug; her humor and her love extend beyond her and continue to warm the hearts of everyone who knew her.

Joyce will be committed in a ceremony at Fort Custer National Cemetery on May 15th at 1:30pm. Please arrive 10-15 minutes ahead of schedule, as the ceremony will be succinct. Any friends who wish to honor Joyce’s life are welcome to join the family at the ceremony.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Joyce’s guestbook and/or share a memory with her family.

The Marr family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 129 South Grand Street, Schoolcraft, MI 49087. 269-679-5622.