Joycelyn (formerlyFitzke)

Joycelyn (Joy) born August 23, 1927, went to be with her Lord and Savior and reunite with her loving and devoted husband the late Harold V. Sheffer on February 10, 2011.

Joy was one of four children born and raised in Biloxi, Mississippi to the late Joseph and Louise Seidule.

She will be forever remembered by her devoted children: Robert (DeAnne) Fitzke, Johanna Workman, David (Linda) Fitzke; grandchildren: Angela (Bobby) Fitzke-Sees, Jacob Johnson, Matthew Workman and Matthew Fitzke-Loll; loving brothers: JC Seidule and Carlton (Karla) Seidule, many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and extended family members. Joy was preceded in death by her brother Donald Seidule, sister-in-law Evelyn Seidule, sister-in-law Janet Seidule, son-in-law William Workman, and ex-husband Robert L. Fitzke.

A generous and compassionate southern soul, Joy lived many years in Michigan, but never let go of her deep southern roots. Throughout her life, Joy loved sharing precious memories of growing up with her three brothers on the banks of the Mississippi gulf and fishing and crabbing on Shoo-fly beach.

Joy met and married Robert L. Fitzke in 1947, and they had 3 children. Joy and Robert divorced in the early 70's and Joy went to work for the State of Michigan. After marrying Harold Sheffer in 1979, Joy retired from the Michigan House of Representatives and she and Harold moved to Winter Park, Florida where Joy pursued her love of gardening. She had the knack for growing beautiful hybrid orchids and was a master gardener in her own right. You could usually find her bare foot in a pair of clam diggers, in her yard or greenhouse, coaxing a bloom from the most stubborn of plants.

Joy's family and loved ones were always her first priority, though she touched many with her kind spirit, her strength and her love. Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial mass at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 15, 2010 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 203 High St., Williamston, MI 48895. There will be one hour of visitation prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Alzheimer's Association or the Katrina Relief Fund in Joy's name are greatly appreciated. The family would like to give a special thank you to the loving and caring staff of Haven of Rest, who took such wonderful care of Joy for the last several years.

The family is being served by The Osgood Funeral Home.