Joyce Kirkland

Joyce Kirkland, age 88 of Byron Center passed away on Saturday, September 2nd, 2023. The daughter of the late Joseph and Virginia Veverka, Joyce was born on July 20, 1935 in Bellaire, Ohio. Shortly after high school graduation she met the love of her life Robert (Tom) Kirkland and they married on September 17th, 1954 spending many years together before he passed on September 1st, 1993. Joyce was a homemaker for many years, actively volunteering as a room mother and was involved with the elementary PTA. Her priority was making sure her children were taken care of and they had what was needed before working outside the home. She then started working at Montgomery Wards and later Hills Department Store in the accounting department. Joyce was a member of Beta Sigma Phi/Torchbearer Epsilon for over 40 years, serving in many roles and committees. In her later years Joyce’s passion was volunteering. She offered her time to the food pantry and funeral luncheons at her church. Joyce also volunteered at Butterworth Hospital gift shop and was a member of the Kentwood Women’s Club. She will be lovingly remembered and missed by her children, Robert “Bob” (Deb) Kirkland, Mark Kirkland, Lynne Kirkland-Metts; grandchildren, Joe (Kelly) Kirkland, Dan (Amanda) Kirkland; great grandchildren, Ethan Kirkland, Ashlin Kirkland, Logan Slachter, Lane Kirkland, Eli Kirkland; and two nieces. She was preceded in death by daughter in-law, Lydia Kirkland; sister, Marilyn Trigg. Family will receive guests from 1:00-2:00 pm with a memorial service immediately following at 2:00 pm on Sunday, September 10, 2023 at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4031 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming, with Rev. Dennis Gilbert officiating. The burial at Rosedale Memorial Park will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Central Michigan University, Strong Story Lab–For Aphasia, 524 East Bellows Street, Mount Pleasant, MI 48858 or Interim Healthcare–Hospice, 1971 E. Beltline Ave NE, Suite 225, Grand Rapids, MI 49525.