Joyce I. Somers

     Joyce I. Somers, age 89, peacefully passed away early Saturday morning, on April 16, 2022, at her residence in Bingham Farms, MI.   

     She was born on February 19, 1933, in Chapin Twp., Michigan, the daughter of Orvil and Edith (Howard) Criner.  On August 21, 1949, Joyce married George E. Somers in Chapin, Michigan and they celebrated almost 65 years of marriage, prior to his passing on July 4, 2014.  Joyce completed her undergraduate work at Albion College and earned her Masters’ degree from Michigan State University in education.

     Joyce and George traveled the world together, serving as United Methodist missionaries in India for many years enhancing literacy, health, and agriculture.  Upon their returning to Michigan, Joyce served the Clinton, Michigan School District as a K-12 Reading Specialist.

     A Celebration of both their lives and Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at Chapin United Methodist Church at 12:00 P.M., where Joyce and George were married.  Internment will take place at Ford Cemetery, Elba Township, Michigan.

    Joyce is survived by four sons: David (Pauline) Somers of Saucier, MS; Phillip (Robin) Somers of Naperville, IL; Stephen Somers of Adrian, MI; and Mark (Jennie) Somers of Dearborn, MI. She is also survived by nine grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, one sister, Arlis Bishop, and many nieces and nephews.  Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, husband George, sister Vivian (Robert) Lover, brother Lloyd (Irene) Criner, brother-in-law Claude Bishop, and grandson Neal Somers.

     Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.  The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.