Joyce Jean Farhat

Williamston, Michigan

Joyce Farhat, loving mother and grandmother, snappy dresser, amazing conversationalist and lifelong foodie entered eternal life on Thursday, Nov. 28 at the age of 83. Those 83 years were filled with several lifetimes’ worth of experiences and for that, we are all thankful.

Much of her life was spent by the side of her husband, professional wrestler The Sheik (Edward Farhat Sr.), which meant world travel was plentiful, screaming fans were the norm and that watching her husband mow the lawn in a Speedo emblazoned with a camel was just going to be part of everyday life. She spent time in the ring with Sheik as Princess Fatima, which meant she had a front-row seat to the amazing and crazy world of professional wrestling. She is respected and revered by the wrestling community to this day and recounted her days in the spotlight as some of the best of her life.

And what a life it was. Never lacking for compassion or love, Joyce was rich with generosity that extended a warm home, helping hand or words of encouragement to friends, family, strangers and those lucky enough to be standing in line near her at the grocery store.

She loved to dance and could always be counted on to get the party started. All she needed was a willing partner and a song preferably released by Kenny Rogers, Donna Summer or Dolly Parton.

Joyce loved to write – about everything and to so many. You may read this and recall a letter from her that touched your heart, made you laugh or made you think. Hold on to those letters for a rainy day – her perspective and advice is timeless.

She loved to talk and could often be found on the phone with friends (her grandchildren may or may not have gotten this particular trait from her), gabbing with a familiar face while running errands or huddled in a cozy corner at a family party catching up with her many nieces and nephews.

She loved life. She loved her family. She loved.

She loved.

Joyce is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whose photos and anecdotes she would proudly share with anyone willing to indulge her: sons Eddie Farhat Jr. and Tom (Kari) Farhat; grandchildren Jennifer Farhat, Ed Farhat III, Susi (Joe) Cox (children Renae, Joey and Molli) and Kelli (Sean) Farhat. She is also survived by three wonderful siblings she loved and considered her dearest friends, Nancy (J.R.) Ording, Jimmy (Diane) Fleser and Pat (Judy) Fleser; as well as an extended family of relations and friends from every walk of life, too numerous to list but not forgotten.

Joyce is now reunited with the love of her life, Sheik, and her parents Ellen and Francis Fleser, as well as many other in-laws and friends we have no doubt she’s having one helluva time catching up with.

The family would love to celebrate Joyce’s amazing life with you at a visitation at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes Williamston Chapel; 205 E. Middle St., on Thursday December 5 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm, with Rosary at 7:30pm, and the Catholic Memorial Mass on Friday December 6 at 11am at St. Mary Catholic Church; 157 High St. Williamston.

In lieu of flowers, you’re encouraged to make a donation to Hospice of Lansing; 4052 Legacy Parkway, suite 200, Lansing, MI 48911. The family would also like to thank the amazing nurses and staff at Sparrow Hospital (especially in the CCU and Oncology units) who made the end of Joyce’s life comfortable and dignified, while allowing family and friends to surround her with love and laughter, just as she’d have wanted.