Joyce Callahan

Frankentrost, Michigan

Joyce Ann Callahan went to be with her Lord and Savior, peacefully but unexpectedly at home on April 19, 2023. Joyce was born on August 5, 1947, to Lynn and Mildred (Towne) Ford in Albion, Michigan.  She graduated from Albion High School in 1965 and continued her education at Central Michigan University where she obtained her teaching degree.  She was a member of Kappa Phi where she made many lifelong friends.  She married Kenneth Callahan on June 13, 1981.  He preceded her in death on March 3, 2013.

She spent her 38-year teaching career with the Bridgeport-Spaulding School District primarily teaching in the lower elementary grades.  She spent many summers as a camp counselor in Cape Cod.  She began volunteering at List Elementary during the 2015-2016 school year as a READ volunteer and helping teachers and students in the classroom.  What started as something to do while waiting for her granddaughters to finish their school days turned into a four-day-a-week commitment.  She truly treasured the many special friendships she made with the staff and students at List Elementary.

Left to treasure her memory are son, David (Melissa) Callahan, Frankenmuth, MI; children by marriage, Timothy (Gwen) Callahan of Stephenson, VA ; Catherine (Bill) Young, Royal Oak, MI; Eric (Shannon) Callahan, Frankenmuth, MI; Grandchildren: Nicholas (Hannah) Greer-Young, Joshua Young, Tyler Young, Brandon Callahan, Audrey Callahan, and Kelsey Callahan.  Sisters, Judith (Douglas) Smith, Clemson, Texas; Mary (Brent) Webster, Waterford, MI, as well as many nieces and nephews and their families.

She had been a member of Ames United Methodist for many years until transferring membership to Frankenmuth United Methodist Church in 1992.  She was a member of Gideons International Auxiliary where she loved serving as the Chaplin and sharing God's word.  She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, volunteering at the school, being involved in Bible studies, spending time in the scripture and in prayer, and sewing, and she had a strong passion for the importance of Christian summer camp.

Joyce's family will receive visitors at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin St. on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Burial will take place on Thursday, April 27th at 11:00 a.m. at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens 7475 E. Holland Rd. Saginaw, MI 48601. A memorial service will take place on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Frankenmuth United Methodist Church, 346 Vates St., Frankenmuth, Michigan. Joyce's family will receive visitors from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Frankenmuth United Methodist Church or Gideons International.