Joyce L. Pellerito, age 87, of Fenwick, passed away Sunday morning, June 10, 2018 under the loving care of her family and Spectrum Health Hospice. She was born on April 23, 1931 in Grand Rapids to Max G. & Loretta E. (Arthur) Patterson. On August 1, 1959, in Cedar Springs, she married John T. Pellerito and together they raised eight children and enjoyed 39 years of marriage until John passed away on August 29, 1998.
She was also preceded in death by a step-daughter, Carolyn Elaine Pellerito; a brother, Thomas Gilbert Patterson; and a sister, Violet A. Linscott. Joyce was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She also was a foster mother to over 30 children through Bethany Christian Services.
She formerly belonged to Oakfield Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and led AWANA groups. She was currently a member of Beth Haven Baptist Church where she volunteered in a number of church activities, including leading the Widow’s group for many years. She enjoyed sewing, reading, handicrafts, and word searches, but her greatest delight was in time spent with her family.
Joyce began each day with her daily devotion and prayed for each of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as many other dearly loved relatives and friends. Surviving are her daughters, Debby & Arnold Snyder of Evansville, Indiana, Carolyn & Greg Kirves of Pensacola, Florida, Robin & John Adema of Grand Rapids, Jonni & Jeff Vandenburg of Fenwick, and Laura & Matt Ferguson of Greenville; her sons, Gary & Linda VerStrate of Bangor, Michael VerStrate of Greenville, and Harold & Cheryl VerStrate of Washington; two step-children, Emma & Chuck Kinney of Barryton and Phil & Angel VanderBilt of the Philippines; thirty-five grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation is from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday at Beth Haven Baptist Church, 1158 W. Carson City Road (M-57), Sheridan, where funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
Pastor Kevin Crowell of Beth Haven Baptist Church will officiate and burial will follow at Rest Haven Memory Gardens, Belding. Instead of flowers, Joyce would have appreciated memorial contributions to Beth Haven Baptist Academy. Envelopes will be available at the church.
To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Joyce’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www. ChristiansenCares.com Arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville.
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