Obituary: Joyce Major, 93, Scottville.

Joyce Major

Obituary: Joyce Major, 93, Scottville.

Joyce Eleanor Major, 93, returned to the loving arms of her Savior Saturday, March 30, 2019 after 15 years under the care of her son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Karen Major. Joyce was born June 5, 1925 in Pentwater, the fifth child of Jess and Lillian Petersen.

Joyce grew up on the Jess Petersen farm in Riverton Township, and attended St. Mary’s School. She graduated from Scottville High School in 1944. During World War II, Joyce worked for a short time in Muskegon at Continental Motors. She married Charles Fredrick Major on September 27, 1947 at the Major family farmhouse, making her home there until her debilitating stroke in December of 2003.

Joyce worked most of her life with her husband and children, raising quality beef and other crops at the Major Beef Farm. She was a strong supporter of education, serving on the Mason County Central Schools Board of Education for a number of years. She was also very active in the local 4-H program, assisting children with various projects and animal rearing.

Joyce joined the Pentwater Baptist Church where she was baptized, later attending the Trinity Evangelical Free Church in Ludington. Although her health kept her from regularly attending worship services, she continued to worship at the home she shared with Michael and Karen.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Jess A. and Lillian R. (Matson) Petersen; her sisters, Dora Berger, Emily Dewyer, Lillian (Babe) Hackey, Marilyn (Tootie) Buchner and her brothers, Russell and Carlyn Petersen.

She is survived by her four children, Terry C. (Suzanne) Major of Dexter, Michael A. (Karen) Major of Hart, Deborah J. (Ken) Stotler of Hart, and Charles Kelly Major of Scottville; seven grandchildren, Christopher (Alison) Major of Zeeland, Katherine (Jasen) Melnick of Ohio, Brandon Borzi of Oregon, Rebecca (Will) Miles of Manchester, England, Cody Stotler of Oregon, Lane Stotler of Hart, and Chaz Major of Scottville; two great-grandchildren, Ewan and Gwyneth Major of Zeeland. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

Services for Joyce Major will be held at Mason County Reformed Church, Scottville on Thursday, April 4 at 11 a.m., Pastor Todd Bush officiating. Visitation will take place at Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington on Wednesday, April 3 from 4 to 7 p.m. There will also be visitation 1 hour prior to the funeral at the church. A luncheon will follow the service.

Donations will be distributed to charities that Joyce supported; envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church.

Joyce’s legacy lives on through the memories of her hospitality and love of family. She will be remembered as a passionate, strong and faithful wife, mother, and grandmother. She had a heart for her Lord and her family and for serving within her community.

Please share your photos and fond memories of Joyce at www.OakGroveLudington.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington.