Joyce Parkin

Joyce Ella "Joy" Parkin, age 77, of Owosso, MI went to be with her Savior Wednesday, March 12, 2014 at Memorial Healthcare in Owosso, MI.

Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

Joyce was born in Sayre, Pennsylvania on February 20, 1937, the daughter of Eleazer and Ella (Joiner) Merrill. She graduated from Rome High School in Rome, PA. Joy also attended Practical Bible Training School in Johnson City, NY (now Davis College). She married Ralph E. Parkin on January 30, 1960. Joy worked as a tailor in Harbor Beach, Jackson, and Owosso until her death. She loved sewing, cooking, and spending time with her grandchildren. Joy had a talent for tending to all living plants, especially her African Violets. After she and Ralph married, they spent a year in Paris in 1966 to learn French and then moved to the Peoples Republic of the Congo in 1967 (currently the Republic of Congo), as missionaries, until 1974. Upon their return to the US, they served churches in Pennsylvania and Michigan. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Owosso.

Joy is survived by her husband Rev. Ralph Parkin, 2 sons; Rev. Phillip and Cindy Parkin, Edward and Margarita Parkin, grandchildren; Alicia, Loretta, Joyanna, Jesika, Mathew, Amber, and Michael, brothers; Ray Merrill, Chester and Earlene Merrill, Lynn Merrill, brother in law Raymond Parkin, and several nieces and nephews.

Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.

Read Joyce Parkin's Obituary and Guestbook on smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.