Joyce DeCook

Joyce Elaine DeCook, age 87, of Grandville, passed from this life into the arms of her Savior on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. Joyce was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was deeply rooted in her faith. She joyfully served others through church ministries such as leading a young moms’ Bible study and leading a couples’ Sunday School class for 30 years with her husband Joe. She fulfilled a childhood calling to missions, serving in Bangladesh with Joe for ten years while raising their family of four. Her gentle spirit, humility, and gracious heart shone through in every area of her life. Joyce was an encourager to everyone, especially her children. As a result her four children each reflect beautiful parts of her character. Intelligent and determined, she could accomplish anything she set her mind to, always with a spirit of selflessness. Joyce loved sports, especially cheering for her grandchildren at their events, and later following football and basketball on TV. She treasured hosting holiday gatherings, filling her home with laughter, music, and love. A gifted musician, she shared her talent as a violinist in the Holland Symphony for many years. Joyce’s joyful laugh and radiant presence set people at ease and let them know they were accepted and valued. She was preceded in death by her brother, Dan Fox; and great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Leopold. Joyce will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 66 years, Dr. Joseph DeCook; children, Dan and Cecilia DeCook, David and Nannette DeCook, Steve and Cindy DeCook, Amy and Tim Royer; grandchildren, Abby and Aaron Parks, Nate DeCook, Elena DeCook, Angie and John Leopold, Felicia and David Dyksterhouse, Jared and Natalie DeCook, Zach and Amanda DeCook, Sam DeCook, Ben DeCook, Eli DeCook, Lydia DeCook, Joe and Grace Royer, Kate and John Wierenga, Elise and Jake Karcher, Audrey and Gavin Peddie; 18 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Jean McMahon, Mary Fox; and her nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 4, at Immanuel Church, 325 104th Ave., Holland, with Pastor Alyn Goossen officiating. The burial will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Friday, October 3, from 4-7 p.m. at MKD Funeral Home, 4145 Chicago Dr. SW, Grandville, and on Saturday from noon-1 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Bangla Ministries Worldwide. 

The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed via this link.