Joyce Alma (Eberly) Martin

Our Heavenly Father called Joyce A. Martin of Portland, MI home on Thursday, September 7, 2023 in Lansing, MI at the age of 94. She is survived by sons Michael (Beverly) Benbow, Bruce (Cathy) Benbow, daughters Diana Benjamin and Deborah Butler, daughter-in-law Katie Benbow, sister Audrey Piercefield, brother Jack Eberly, sister Grace (Martin) Jipson, and many, many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her father, Lawrence Eberly, mother Margaret Eberly, brother Lawrence (Buster) Eberly, sister Linda Martin, sons Randy, Mark (Buddy), Steven Benbow and favorite son-in-law, Darwin Benjamin. Greatly loved as a mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother and faithful friend. She leaves behind many beautiful and treasured memories.

Joyce was born on July 25, 1929 to Lawrence & Margaret Eberly in Williamston, MI – the oldest of six children. She retired from her career at GM after working 25 years of service. Upon retiring, Joyce enjoyed travelling in an RV across the country and spending her winters in Arizona for several years; she also enjoyed many travels with her sisters as well. Once her years of travels were complete, she called Sunfield, MI her home where she received the coveted Grand Marshall award of the Sunfield Farmers Picnic in 2015. She was an avid reader and her passion was her flowers – she had the most beautiful flower gardens that she tended to and cared for with her hands of love and she would share hand-picked bouquets with others. You were lucky if you found her at home - she was always on the go taking friends and homebound seniors to luncheons, coffee, meetings and local events. She was never seen without a hat on – there’s very few that can carry this look off and she was beautiful with her “hattitude.”

She was an active member in her community, church and wanted to be involved in anything that served a greater good other than her own. She lived her life on her terms – strong, independent and sassy. She was selfless with her love, care and kindness. Her heart was bigger than any other – she was always readily available to lend a helping hand, give a random act of kindness and share her love with anyone that she encountered. Rarely did you leave without feeling better than you had before. Camera always in hand to capture a memory and a moment – her house was filled with many, many photographs that she enjoyed creating photo albums to gift and share with others. A birthday card could be counted on from her every year always signed love, hugs & prayers.

She was Queen Bee of the Red Hatters, Village of Sunfield Council member, Sunfield Village Mayor Pro Tem, Sunfield Library Board, Sunfield Senior Lunch Program, Roxand Township Service Club and Meals on Wheels.

Joyce was one of a kind. Rarely do you encounter a woman whose love shown so brightly. For those she leaves behind, her light will always shine.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, September 18, 2023 at Meadowbrook Cemetery, Mulliken at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon following at the Sunfield United Brethren Church that all are welcome to attend. In honor of Joyce, please wear a hat of your choosing if you so desire.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Sunfield Area SPY’s, Sunfield Library or Sunfield Senior Lunch Program, ℅ Rosier Funeral Home, P.O. Box 36, Sunfield, MI 48890. Express your thoughts and memories in the online Guest Book at www.RosierFuneralHome.com. The family is being served by the Independent Family-Owned Funeral Home in Sunfield: Rosier Funeral Home.

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