Born and raised in the Cleveland suburb of Lakewood, Barbara Browning Jones was an avid young thespian, acting and playing piano, both of which she learned from her parents. The Joneses were one of three founding couples of the Lakewood Little Theatre (The Beck Center) with little Barb “directing” up a storm. “Bobbie,” as she was known then, went on to graduate from Michigan State University (’57), earning a teaching degree in English. She was tapped as one of the top 100 in her graduating class, and attended the first Harvest Ball at the newly opened Kellogg Center on campus. She also played a hot ukulele and was fierce at a game of bridge. After College she worked as an Art, Speech and Drama teacher at Bay Valley High School in Ohio, driving to work each day with chiffon scarf a-flutter in her 1955 pink and white Ford Fairlaine convertible, the favorite of all the cars she ever owned! Her future husband, Bernard K. ”Mike” Doyle, Jr., came home with her one Memorial Day and whisked her off to his hometown Detroit for a marriage proposal and a diamond ring. As a young officer in the military, Mike and Barb traveled the world with 4 kids in tow to locales like Okinawa and Germany. The family experienced glorious adventures and beautiful journeys filled with friendships, all nurtured by Mom. After 27 years of Army life, Barb and Mike settled in Lansing, Michigan. There she served as Director of Religious Education for Resurrection Catholic Church. She also worked as a Liturgical minister and earned a degree in Spiritual Direction. Full of laughter and life, she made fast friends in Lansing, serving the community, sharing her spirit, heart, and stories with people, particularly those she guided and the many groups to which she belonged. Barb is survived by her brother David (Martie) Jones; and children Karen (Katie), Meg Viggiani (John), Brian (Julianne) and Patrick (Kayla). She cherished her grandchildren Michael, Daniel and Isabella Viggiani, Allie Aurora Doyle; and Mae and Beckett Doyle, as well as Mike’s family: Kathleen “Nan” Haadsma and Gerald “Jerry” (Nancy) Doyle along with their children and grandchildren. Barb’s family wishes to thank Sparrow Home Hospice Services, especially Christie, Nicole & Raina, as well as Sparrow Medical Services staff, Nick, Travis & John, for all for their kindness and compassion. We would especially like to thank our extended family and Barb’s many friends for their faith, love and support. (Long live Lunchinos!) Visitation is this evening, Friday (May 6th) from 4-7 p.m. at Gorsline-Runciman Funeral Home, 900 E. Michigan Ave. Lansing. A Memorial service celebration will be held at the same location on Saturday (May 7th) at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following organizations: The Michigan Peace Team (Meta Peace Team, 201 W. Miller Rd., Lansing, MI, 48911) Or The M.S.U. Children’s Garden, care of the Michigan State University 4-H Foundation (535 Chestnut Rd., Room 240, E. Lansing, MI, 48824) www.grlansing.com
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