Joy Carleen Berends, age 85, of Grandville, a daughter of the King, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, December 19, 2020. She is now reunited with her husband of 60 years, whom she called her “boyfriend”, George, and many relatives in both the Berends and Meyer families. Joy was a wife, mother, and grandmother who had a fierce love for her family. Throughout her life of service to her Lord, she had the gift to invest into the uniqueness of each individual she met and loved them unconditionally. Joy had the ability to make everyone she met feel as if they were her favorite. All through her life she partnered with her husband, George, in various ministries. Soon after they were married, they began their life of service as missionaries in Brazil, returning to the United States to establish Northpointe Christian School. They continued their ministry in various ways including New Creation Prison Ministries, Just Me and the Kids Ministries, and embraced any other opportunity that invested in the lives of others to introduce the good news of Jesus. She will be lovingly remembered by her children and grandchildren, Steve Berends (Tricia, Joshua, Seth), Sharon and Brad Possehl (Andrew, Daniel, Kate, David), Sheryl and Tim Kuzmicz (Laura, Jenna); many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. Because of our unique current circumstances, there will be no services held. Joy will be laid to rest at Georgetown Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Joy would ask that you find opportunity and recognize needs to give generously with your time, talent, and treasure.
Leave Your Tribute Message
February 10, 2021 11:15am
We had it good, and we knew it!!!
Grateful
- Sheryl K
January 29, 2021 8:39am
Joy was such a blessing in my life. I would always look forward to her weekly visit to the salon. I enjoyed our conversations and her beautiful spirit. I still remember all the stories and wisdom she shared with me. She will be deeply missed. I look forward to seeing her in heaven. My condolences to you all. May God give you peace and wonderful memories of Joy.
- Lupe Plamondon
December 30, 2020 8:07pm
Sheryl.Tim, Laura and Jenna you are in thought and prayer with much love!
- Michele Kuzmicz McCabe
December 30, 2020 3:45pm
I was privileged to work with Joy for several years at Jenison Public Schools. She was such a sweet, encouraging person to be with, and I enjoyed my time with her very much. It is so wonderful that she is now with her Savior whom she loved and so faithfully served, as well as her loving husband George who was promoted to Heaven before her.
- Judy Smelser
December 29, 2020 6:48pm
Steve, Sharon and Sheryl, Yes I went through lots of adventures with your mom every Friday's when she got her hair done, how we helped one another through those teenage years and beyond. So funny I just found a piece of paper with your moms name and number on it, thinking it time to give her a call and see how she was doing, well now that conversation will have to wait until I get the call to come home too. Because of your mom, Dad and several of my Friday ladies, I will be celebrating , walking on the streets of gold right along with my others brothers and sisters in Christ. What a wonderful couple to have not only as friends, but as neighbors for many years in the Jenison area. God sure did bless you with wonderful parents, I loved them both.
May the many memories of years gone by bring healing to your broken heart. Both Don and I are standing with you during your time of healing.
Don and Ellie DeShane
- Eleanor DeShane
December 28, 2020 10:21am
Praising God that Joy is reunited with George and they are both home with our Lord! Both are tremendously missed. They work that they have done will live on in the lives they have touched for the Lord! May God bless you and comfort you in your loss.
- Colleen Christie- New Creations Prison Ministries
December 27, 2020 7:41pm
Steve, Sharon and Sheryl
I just happened to see your mom's memorial when searching the obits not realizing your dad had already passed as well. I have only good memories of my years at "Baptist Academy" all those many years ago that your folks were so active there! And Sharon, the years our kids were at Potter's House together! My sincerest condolences to you all at this time❤
Denise
- Denise Whittum Steiner
December 26, 2020 9:56am
Our hearts join yours in sorrow over the passing of Joy. She was always such a delight to be with, and to get to know at the High School and Calvary Baptist Church. How good to know that she is with the Lord! May the grace of God and His comfort be yours as you go through this hard days. We love you, and trust God's blessing on your lives.
In Christ, Stan & Yvonne Veldt
- Stan Veldt
December 25, 2020 10:33am
Steve, Sharon and Sheryl,
Both your Mom and Dad were wonderful to me and a such a Godly example. I have amazing memories of the 6 months that I lived with your parents during college. Aunt Joy taught me how to do laundry and fold shirts 😊. I still can hear her instructions! It was so great to have that time with them. I am very saddened by all of this, but I am so comforted that we will see your Mom and Dad again. We will all miss Aunt Joy... I am praying for you all.
With Love,
Andrew Lind and family
- Andrew Lind
December 24, 2020 11:28am
Dear Possehls, thinking about you and the blessing of your mom and grandma to each one of you. Knowing the heart of Jesus and in His wisdom may each of you sense His comfort and presence each day. Much love and prayers, Mrs. Ritter
- Sharon Ritter
December 23, 2020 9:33pm
Steve, Sharon, & Sheryl, I am so VERY sorry for your loss of your Dear Mom...I want to thank you for sharing her !
I love her so VERY, VERY much!
She really did have the knack of making you feel so special! And she really was a JOY! Even though I didn't see her as often as I did when we sat in the row behind her at Calvary every Sun morning I will miss her so so much! I will miss her sweet notes & clippings of encouragement. I am inspired to be a better person because of her godly example. Praising God for her blessing my life & so many other's Your family has been & will continue to be in my prayers.
Love , Teresa Petersen
- Teresa Petersen
December 23, 2020 11:15am
Sorry to hear of Joy's passing. We worked together at Jenison Public Schools.
Joy was a lovely and kind woman and will be missed. Keeping you all in thoughts and prayers.
- Bobbi Clark
December 22, 2020 10:13pm
Aunt Joy was truly a joyful and lovely lady. She really did have the "gift of investing into the uniqueness of each individual she met, loving them unconditionally. She had the ability to make everyone she met feel as if they were her favorite." She and Uncle George made me, my sister, and my brother feel loved while we lived there at the Big House. And for the next 50 years she continued to remember me, writing encouraging letters during our service overseas. Thanks Aunt Joy for a life well lived.
- Brian Migliazza
December 22, 2020 1:17pm
I'm sorry for your loss. I remember how loving and caring your mom was to everyone.
Praying God's peace over all of you.
2 Peter 1:2
- David Johnson
December 22, 2020 10:01am
Aunt Joy was such a beautiful and sweet lady! We loved having her and Uncle George as our dorm parents in Brasil! They were just like our own parents! So thankful for her life and beautiful Christian spirit! I know she will be missed so much! Love and prayers to each of you, Steve, Sharon and Sheryl and to your families! Love, hugs and prayers!
- Sandy Gordon Resick
December 21, 2020 11:02pm
Aunt Joy was always someone who lived out her name. I always cherished the times that our family got to see her when we made the trip from Colorado to Michigan. She (and Grandma Eileen) taught me the best thrift-shopping tips, how to make the most delicious desserts, and how to seek the Lord faithfully. I can still remember her making cookies and inviting us to come over just a couple visits ago and feeling so seen and loved by her. She was a shining light to so many, and I am thankful that she is rejoicing with her Savior.
- Kendra Frieden
December 21, 2020 10:46pm
"To be used of God to sing, to speak, to pray
To be used of God to show someone the way" The words of this song speak of the life Joy Berends lived.
George and Joy were used of the Lord in guiding us to our place of missionary service - Fortaleza, Brazil. Joy was my mentor and a loving friend from whom I learned much during my first years in Brazil.
Our friendship has continued throughout each season of life. I have been blessed by Joy's sweet spirit of contentment and joyfulness even in the midst of trials. We will miss our dear friend, Joy, but look forward to spending eternity with her and George.
David and Ann Lind
- David and Ann Lind
December 21, 2020 8:40pm
Your mom/grandma was/is a very special lady! Our hearts touched and became friends when she and George came to our wedding, George married us. Even though we moved to Florida, we still stayed close in heart. So many memories of this Godly woman. My respect for her will never fade. She made my life brighter, as she touched so many! May you be surrounded by her memories and the love she showed her whole life through! She is walking and talking with Jesus and George. How sweet is that!! Always in my heart!
- Carol Brown
December 21, 2020 6:08pm
What a wonderful, caring and fun person! Myra and I enjoyed working with her and then later long lunches. We will miss her but rejoice with you that she is with her Savior. We’re praying for all of you and trust God will comfort you in a special way.
- Marian Payne
December 21, 2020 5:38pm
Steve, Sharon and Sheryl, your Mom was such a jewel! We are so sad to hear of her departure from you, and will keep you in our prayers. She had such a contagious laugh, and she always was very perceptive of everyone’s needs considerate to everyone’s feelings. I love her. 😢❤️
- Kelly Gehrke Ginster
Order flowers for Joy's service.
Designer’s Choice Grand Vase Arrangement
Seasonal Potted Plant (mum, poinsettia, cyclamen, etc.)
Beautiful Blessings Wreath
