Verna Joyce Maksimchuk

August 09, 1930 - January 06, 2018

Verna Joyce Maksimchuk, of rural Homer, Michigan, passed away January 06, 2018, at age 87. She was born August 09, 1930 on the King family farm near Parma, in Jackson County, Michigan. Joyce was the daughter of Harry John King, and Lena May (nee Lincoln) King. Joyce attended traditional country schools in Jackson and Calhoun Counties, and was a graduate of Marshall High School, class of 1947.

Joyce married George “Harry” Maksimchuk, of rural Albion, at the West Eckford Church February 12, 1949. After marriage, they moved to the original Maksimchuk family farm in Albion Township, to continue the family tradition of farming. Joyce was employed by the Michigan National Bank of Marshall, serving as bank teller and secretary for over 20 years.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents Harry (1901-1965) and Lena (1904-1994), husband George (1926-2007), and two brothers, Darrell Vernon King (1928-1962), and Harry Junior King (1923-2009).

Joyce is survived by sister, Erna LaVon “Ernie” Murray of Marshall; sister-in-law Marjorie Maksimchuk of New Lothrop; son Thomas (Benita) Maksimchuk of Calumet, their children Jennifer & Michael (Anne) Maksimchuk; son Dennis (Marion) Maksimchuk of Albion, his children with Rachel Maksimchuk, Valerie (Jason) Stark, Branden (Afton) Maksimchuk; daughter Mary Jo (Steven) DeNolf of Grand Rapids, their son Mitchell DeNolf; and great-grandchildren Olivia, Sophia, Natalie, & Riley Stark. Also surviving are ten nieces and nephews.

Joyce will be remembered for her love of gardening, helping her children with 4-H projects, and could be found canning and freezing every year. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, and knitting. Joyce and Harry loved square dancing, and were active members of the Albion Amblers square dance club. They spent many winters at the Pine Crest Park in Zephyrhills, Florida, where they were avid shuffleboard players, travelling to compete around Florida & winning many trophies, awards, and accolades.

The Funeral Service for Joyce will be Friday, January 12, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Drive, Albion, with the Reverend Ralph McCarty officiating, with interment to follow at West Eckford Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, January 11th from 5-7 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Relay for Life, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or Grace Hospice, 2725 Airview Blvd., Suite 101, Portage, MI 49002. To leave online messages of condolence for the family, please visit www.kevintiddfuneralhome.com