Joyce Simmons

Joyce Ann Simmons, age 86, formerly of Plainwell died on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at the Alamo Nursing Home. She was born on April 8, 1933 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Chester Lewis and Clara Bernice Whetsler Stratton and has lived in the Kalamazoo area her entire life. Blessed with a beautiful voice, Joyce received a scholarship to Kalamazoo College after her graduation from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1951. On June 23, 1951 she married the love of her life, Donald E Simmons and he preceded her in death in 2003. She was also preceded in death by her sister Diane. Surviving members of her family include her 4 children: Chester (Theresa) Simmons of Kalamazoo, Joyanne (Thomas) Niemi of Otsego, Donald M (Cheryl) Simmons of Plainwell, Ronnie B. (Darlene) Simmons of Portage, 8 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. To her family, Joyce was known as Mom, Grandma and great grandma but to many people in the area she was known as Jody Lynn, the astrologer on WKMI radio, AM 1470 where she enjoyed giving horoscopes and mystic readings for years to many loyal listeners. Joyce was also a collector of bells and had amassed over 7,000 bells of various shapes and sizes. She also enjoyed listening to Elvis Presley music. Cremation has taken place and graveside services will be held at 2:30 pm on Thursday, August 22nd, 2019 at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Please visit Joyce’s personal web page at www.betzlerlifestory.com where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign her online guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Drive; Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.