Lillian Joyce Brooks

Lillian Joyce Brooks was born Jan. 7, 1931, the daughter of Torrey and Marie (Drake) Dillenbeck of Lawrence; both preceded her in passing. Joyce went to be with her Lord on April 2, 2018, at Countryside Nursing and Rehabilitation Community in South Haven.

Joyce was a 1949 graduate of Lawrence High School. On July 2, 1949, she married Richard Mead Brooks of Lawrence. Together they raised three daughters and a son on a farm in Lawrence. She went to college for two years receiving her nursing certificate. She worked at Community Hospital in Watervliet, at LakeView Hospital in Paw Paw, at White Oaks in Lawton and in Florida, and was in home health care until she reached the age of 80. In her spare time, she enjoyed crocheting, traveling and camping, and making U.P. pasties for many area festivals. She was president of the Senior Citizens of Lawrence and an active member of the Red Hat Society.

Joyce is survived by her children: Susan (Frank) Valles of Decatur, Richard (Kandi) Brooks Sr., Judith Allison, and Shelly (Allen) Myers all of Lawrence. She is also survived by nine grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Joyce was preceded in passing by her husband, Richard in May 1988; her parents; two sisters, Frances and Jean Dillenbeck; her companion, Roy Allison; and son-in-law, John Allison.

The family will welcome friends from 4-5 p.m. Friday, April 13, 2018, at the Covey Hill Baptist Church in Paw Paw, where the service to honor Joyce's memory will follow. The Rev. Dan Wilson will officiate. As to Joyce's wishes cremation has taken place. Burial of her ashes will take place at Hill Cemetery, Lawrence Township, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Joyce's name may be made to the Lawrence Ox Roast or Lawrence Alumni Association. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.