Obituary of Joyce A. Blackwood

Joyce A. Blackwood, 56, of Berrien Springs passed away Thursday, December 30, 2021 at Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph. Billy and Diane (Adams) Samples welcomed their baby girl on February 11, 1965 in Berrien Springs. After a meeting that was orchestrated by her mother, Joyce met and married the love of her life Billy Ray Blackwood, at a ceremony in Bartow, Florida on February 6, 1986. Joyce loved a good romance movie and Christmas movies no matter what time of the year. Lighthouses have always been love for Joyce, and just last year she and her family took the lighthouse tour from the Upper Peninsula to the southern shores of Lake Michigan. She was also quick-witted her and her husband bantered back and forth frequently. Although her children are adults now, Joyce was known for being a very protective “Mama Bear”. Those who knew Joyce understand that her family was her priority and nobody should mess with them. Joyce was preceded in passing by her son Daniel Blackwood and her parents, and her siblings Tommy Samples and Christine Samples. She is survived by husband, Billy, and her sons, Billy Blackwood, Jr. of Berrien Springs, and Joseph Samples of Arkansas. She will also be greatly missed by her grandchildren Luke and Wyatt Samples, and her brothers, James Samples and Jerry Samples both of Bronson, Michigan. A joint memorial service to celebrate both Joyce and her son, Daniel Blackwood will take place at Bethel Apostolic Tabernacle, 945 Chippewa St, Buchanan, MI 49107 on February 12, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. with a time of visitation beginning at 12:30 p.m. Those wishing to make a memorial donation in honor of Joyce have been asked to consider Bethel Apostolic Tabernacle. Condolences, photos, and memories can be left for Daniel’s family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services.