Joy Shannon
September 7, 1929 – November 1, 2019
A service to commemorate Joy’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 25, 2019, at Gracespring Bible Church, 8643 Gull Rd, Richland, with Chaplain Ryan Hoekstra officiating. Interment at Fairview Cemetery, Brighton, MI. Memorials may be made to the Park Place Assisted, c/o www.parkplace.baruchsls.org/about-us/donate/ or the funeral home.
Obituary
Age 90, passed away on Friday, November 1, 2019. Joy was born in Ferndale, MI, on September 7, 1929, the daughter of Leonard and Sarah (Middleton) O’Donnell. Joy was a beautiful, free thinking spirit who loved to dance to the beat of her own drum (literally with real drums). She had an interest in the healing arts, spending 35 years as a myotherapist. Joy was also a very creative photographer and had many of her works in exhibits. She was a champion for the hurting, especially those with mental illness and for the homeless. She was also in the forefront of working for racial equity. Her lessons of love and healing will be passed on to her family for generations to come. Joy is survived by her children, Patricia Dunstan of Highland Twp. MI, Kathleen Butler of Crawfordville, FL, Nancy (Bob) Peterson of Kalamazoo, Neil Dunstan of Ypsilanti, MI, Beth (Victor) Akemann of Amherst Junction, WI; grandchildren, Aaron (Wendy) Nowacki, Matthew (Honor) Nowacki; Sarah Coull, Cory Crum, Natalie (Casey) Knickerbocker, Jordan (Michelle) Allen, Forrest (Tea) Akemann, River Akemann, Nico Akemann and Leif Akemann; 4 step-grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 7 step-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Joy was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Brian Dunstan; a grandson, Owen Butler; a brother, Marvin O’Donnell; and a sister, Patricia O’Donnell.
RIP sweet Joy. I’ll always remember you for the kind and lovely woman you were. You were always ready to help Wendy and Aaron when Emily (great granddaughter) was a baby/ toddler while they worked and went to school.That was truly a gift. You always had a smile and were so positive and a pleasure to be around. You will be missed. I send my condolences to Patty and the rest of the family and will keep all of you in my prayers. Love, Lola
My husband Pete and I are very saddened to learn of Joy’s passing. She was indeed a lovely, lovely human being who was always there when people needed her. One day I complained about back pain and she put me on the floor at the gym and started working on me — and helped! I saw her for years and years. Her name fit her well — she was a JOY! Our heartfelt condolences to all.