Obituary of Joyce Elaine Bowen

     Joyce E. Bowen, 84 passed away on Monday, June 20, 2022 at Lakeland Regional Hospital in St. Joseph, Michigan.

     She was born to the late Raymond and Pearl (Harpham) Brown Sr, on September 10, 1937 just as summer was giving way to fall.

Joyce transitioned from high school to marriage and began raising her family.  For many years, she worked at Shakespeare Company where they manufactured a variety of fishing equipment and tackle. Joyce lived most of her life in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and leaves behind many friends there. More recently she lived at the Chalet of Niles, where she developed friendships with a few entrusted caretakers.

The arts always played an important part in her life and Joyce found great enjoyment in painting portraits as well as authoring many songs.   She also had a great fondness for her animals who were her companions and even her confidants from time to time.

     She is preceded in passing by her parents; Raymond and Pearl Brown, her sons; Brad Bowen and Brian Bowen, and her brothers; Raymond Brown, Robert Regan, and Tom Luce.

     Surviving Joyce are her children, John (Vickie) Bowen of Midland, Michigan, and Linda Bowen-Hines, of Centreville, Michigan.  She is also survived by her siblings, Mary Ellen Wetzel-Coon (Greg Goodland), of Sturgis, Michigan, Jerry (Sandra) Brown of Coldwater, Harland (Joyce) Brown of Clark Lake, and a sister-in-law Helen Brown of Tekonsha.

     She is also survived by her loving grandchildren, Rachel (Matthew) Picker, Laura (Andy Frays) Bowen, Gavin (Holly) Bowen, Tricia (Vince) Bailey, Jimmy (Kate) Hines, and Justin (Jessica) Hines; and her great-grandchildren, Beau Bowen, Amaijha Bailey, Dahntae Bailey, Brielle Bailey, Traven Hines, and Ayden Hines. 

     A graveside service to celebrate Joyce’s life was held on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at Sherwood North Cemetery.

     Those wishing to make a memorial donation have been asked to consider the Kalamazoo Animal Rescue located at 2938 Business One Drive in Kalamazoo, Michigan 49048, in honor of her love for animals.

     Photos, condolence, and memories of Joyce can be left for her family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles.