Joyce Dawn Ellison

Ellison, Joyce Dawn Kawkawlin, Michigan Our loving wife, mother and grandmother passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack Wednesday, March 4, 2015 in Biloxi, MS at the age of 78 years. She was born June 18, 1936 in Bay County where she resided all of her life. Joyce's world revolved around her family. Her joy in life came from showing her four children the true meaning of love and spending time together with them. Blessings also came in time from her grandchildren. She loved nothing more than doting over them and she was completely focused on what interested them. Holidays were favorite times as it gave everyone the opportunity to be together. She took great care in baking and trying new recipes for her family. Joyce was always there for everyone, no matter what it was from watching grandkids to helping friends, always thoughtful of others before herself. She enjoyed traveling with Dick, reading, spending time at their cabin and with her card club friends of over fifty years. While her daughters were young she was a devoted Girl Scout Leader. Her family will miss the love she showed to them with phone calls to make sure everyone was safe, to see if they needed anything and the thoughtfulness that she expressed with her calls on birthdays, anniversaries and all the cards she sent. On June 30, 1956 she married her seventh grade sweetheart Edwin R. Ellison. He is left to cherish her memories along with four children; Cheryl and (Steve) Witzke and Carol and (Dan) Michalski, Rich and (Darleen) Ellison, and Ray and (Patty) Ellison. Her grandchildren; Michael and (Christina) Witzke, Kelly and (Justin) Gallihugh, Jason and (Bonnie) Michalski, Nathan Milkowski, Trevor and (Olivia) Ellison, Greg Ellison, Melanie Ellison, Jacob and (Whitney) Ellison, Gabby Bott and Gage Bott, Kyle Ellison and Katie Ellison. Her great grandchildren; Gage, Alyson, Carter, Ryland, Lily, Piper, Conner, Hailey, Serenity, Jackson and Adalynn. She also leaves behind her buddy and four legged companion Bailey. She was preceded in death by her parents; Myrtle and Ernie Rosekrans and one son-in-law; Jim Milkowski. We will miss you with all our hearts...we love you beyond measure. The family invites all to gather for visitation at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc on Thursday March 12, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. until the time of the Celebration of Her Life service at 6:00 p.m. Officiating will be her son Rich Ellison. At the request of Joyce cremation has taken place and private Interment will take place in Great Lakes National Cemetery. Memorial cards for the "Disabled Veterans" will be available at the funeral home.