Joann Lee (Spyke) Swigart

Joann Lee Maddox was born to John and Noma Maddox on March 29, 1934 and passed away Saturday May 13, 2023 at her home in Mason Michigan. Joann arrived prematurely, so from an early age she embraced life and although small in stature she presented a large presence.

She was an activist, a leader and occasional disruptor. She worked tirelessly on equal rights. Whether it was in politics, employment, board rooms or on the golf course, she never shied away from conversations regarding equality. She held managerial and executive positions at non-profits and was a business owner. She served on countless boards, committees and taskforces and was the recipient of several service awards. She committed endless hours to healthcare reform. She was witty, funny and “the queen of one-liners”. She loved family and embraced friendships which occasionally involved a sip of Baileys or Scotch.

Celebrating her legacy and cherishing her memory are her children: Allan Spyke (Tracey), Janet Spyke, Brian Spyke (Julie) and Patrick Spyke (Katie). She was known as Grandma by: Nick Spyke (Jenn), Brian Spyke Jr., Joe Spyke, Allison Miller (Matt), Chris Spyke (Brooke) and Ebba Franko (Mike). She was Great Grandma to: Josslyn, Theo, Dean, Lily and Graham. She was “Aunt Joe” to several nieces and nephews and was known as Lee to her countless friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved sisters Jeanon (Nonie) Kerr (Rex), Janie Goldsmith (Tom) and her husband Don Swigart.

A graveside service will be held at Seamans Cemetery 1625 Canada Road, Bailey MI 49303 (across the street from North Casnovia Baptist Church) on Thursday June 1, 2023 at 1pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider the following organizations:

Greater Lansing Foodbank, Greaterlansingfoodbank.org

Guiding Light, Grand Rapids MI , Guidinglightworks.org/give

May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back……