Joy Opal Francis

Passed away on November 29, 2024, at Hampton Manor, Merrill, Michigan where she resided for a short time. Joy was just shy, of reaching the goal of 100, that her great grandsons had set for their Gramma. Joy was born March 22, 1925, in Williamsport, Indiana to the late Kenneth and Midred (Marshall) Schafer. She was married to John D. Francis for 53 years. He predeceased her in 1994.

John and Joy relocated to Michigan in 1951. After living in a few different areas of Michigan, they decided to establish their home in the Hemlock/Merrill area. Joy was a beautician in her younger years and an accomplished seamstress, competing and winning sewing contests. During WWII, Joy worked at an airline factory making parachutes for our service men and was considered one of the Rosie the Riveters. Joy also worked at Dow Corning Medical in Hemlock for many years where she retired from.

Joy was a member of Hemlock Methodist Church (Four Points Church) where she participated in many roles over the years. One of Joy’s roles was leading the Youth Fellowship Group and working with the many young people that crossed her path. Her husband and Joy enjoyed traveling and camping with their square dance club. Joy also enjoyed baking for family and friends. She was known for her glazed donuts by her niece Kathy and nephews, Gary and Ken, when they would come to visit from Indiana. Gramma Joy’s favorite and most enjoyable thing to do was spending time with family and attending her grandchildren’s school activities over the years, which kept her busy.

Joy is survived by two daughters: Sally (Don) Hooks of Breckenridge and Mary Anne Stapleton of Freeland. Joy had been blessed with 5 grandchildren: Douglas (Alesha) Hooks, Steven (Julaine) Hooks of Breckenridge, Krista (Jeremy) Zehnder of Freeland, Heather Stapleton of Hemlock, and Blake (Holly) Stapleton of Frankenmuth. Also 11 great grandchildren: Hannah, Joseph (Taylor), Austin, Sage, Emersyn, Brennyn, Beckett, Carter, Luke, Trent (Caitlyn), Taran (Kaylyn), Alexa (Matthew), Joshua (Cheyenne). And her great-great’s: Sadie, Trevor, Cashton, Tatum, Josie, Ira and Harvey.

Besides Joy’s husband and parents, she is predeceased by her daughter Linda G. Francis, her son-in-law Nelson T. Stapleton and her sister Juanita (Gerald) Kinneer.

The family would like to acknowledge the love and care Joy received from Heartland Hospice. Also, the family would like to thank her “girly-girls” at Hampton Manor Assisted Living for the wonderful care they provided during her stay. That also includes the residents that helped in making Joy feel welcome.

They would like to acknowledge from special friends of Joy’s: June Stone, Ken Buckland and Dave Haswell, who all visited on a regular basis, to help her with some tasks and to make her days more enjoyable. Also, Lynne Turner, of Texas, who resided with Joy for 3 months assisting her in so many ways, going to lunches, getting ice cream cones to just being present and we can’t forget Lynne's dog Maggie, who also brightened Joy’s days.

A private family committal service will take place at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors. Please share your words of condolences with the family at www.casefuneralhome.com