The Lord placed Joanne in my life almost 20 years ago, when Ron and I bought our first home in Jenison. She was more than a neighbor, and quickly became "Grandma Joanne" to our entire family. When Henry came along her kitchen became a place of solace for a tired mom's heart with coffee from her antique percolator, wonderful conversation, and all the prayers I needed. She spoke love and wisdom into my life and always pointed me back to Jesus. She loved my kids as if they were her own grandchildren. Many afternoons were spent with her holding my babies while I folded laundry, conversations at our back swingset or in her living room where as he got older, Henry would plink at the keys on her piano and play with the little toys she hid for him in her stool. Henry loved banging on her back screen door, which always surprised her, and asking for bananas--which she always had stocked for him. She was a prayer warrior and cared for "the old people" volunteering until she finally decided she would "join them" (her words) at the "old people's place". While we were 48 years apart, age never mattered, she was one of my dearest friends--continuing to call and check in after we moved and had Glen, reaching out and leaving numerous messages when I had cancer and she knew I was just too tired to talk. She just never gave up on our friendship, and for that I am eternally grateful. I know she is dancing with Jesus--where she always knew she would end up--and I am assured he greeted her with "well done, good and faithful servant." Her size 11 double narrow shoes she always joked about really will be hard to fill....she was a great one, and I was blessed to call her friend.

I'll miss seeing Jo. I first met her on the other end of the telephone when she worked at Rapistan. She was truly a prayer warrior, remembering us when our son, Jonathan died. Know that we look forward to the GREAT REUNION DAY when together we will continue our songs of praise.

I cried today when I was made aware of Joanne's passing. Joanne (and Gerry) hold a special place in my heart. After getting to know them so well during a span of time where I was in Jenison alot (I live north of Toronto, Ontario,, Canada). We would often go to McDonald's for lunch or have tea, or just chit chat. In the past years I made it a point to drop in and visit and I always left feeling great about the time spent. Joanne, I hope you'll continue to keep me on your prayer list from above. You were loved by me and always will be. Gerry, celebrate the wonderful times you got to share with Joanne. I will see you soon. RIP Joanne. You deserve your spot above.

The VanDykens lived across the street from me for the entire time I lived at home with my parents (1st grade through college)! To say they loved my family would be the greatest understatement. Mrs. VanDyken always took time to visit with my sister and I when we were playing outside. The amount of times we ran over to her house to borrow an egg or some milk is countless and each time she made us feel so welcome and loved. Mrs. VanDyken lived her life serving the Lord and I feel so blessed to have had her as my neighbor.

Glenn and I visited them Sunday afternoon and her last words to me where I am praying for you. Thank God for all her many prayers and thank God for all who pray.

JoAnne and Gerry lived in the house next to my back yard. She was always so kind. We would have coffee periodically and she was always interested in what was going on with me and the children. She would pray for us. They were honored for being the longest married couple at my daughters wedding back in May 2018. God bless her and the family!

I remember Mrs. Van Dyken as my Sunday School Teacher at Cottonwood Church. It was during the early 1970s, and I was about 8 years old. She was a kind Christian lady.