Joyce Marie Haywood

Joyce Marie Haywood, 91, of Hastings, Michigan, passed away in her home February 1, 2019, with her family by her side.  She was born to Philo and Francis (Lewis) Otis, June 17, 1927 in Hastings. Joyce graduated from Hastings High School in 1946.  She was married to Eugene Haywood on June 15, 1946 and took up the role of farm wife, helping to grow the Haywood family farm.  Joyce was a phenomenal cook, and there were frequently extended family, friends and acquaintances at the dinner table. Their love of opening the family home included hosting not only extended family but also numerous exchange students and their families.  Joyce and Gene loved to travel in their motor home. Retiring to St. Cloud, Florida in 1978, they built and managed rental homes.  Their retired summers were spent in Hastings or travelling.  They returned to Hastings full-time in 2010 to be closer to family.  Through the years Joyce enjoyed sewing in her free time and developed a passion for quilting, lavishing the family with many beautiful quilts.  Joyce knew the value of personal connection and made family time and lifelong friendships a priority through visits and letter writing which was a source of joy in their lives.  That love of personal and family connection has been passed on and evidenced, much to her joy, in the large family gatherings and celebrations throughout each year.  Joyce was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Donald, Philo Jr., Roger and Paul.  Joyce is survived by Eugene, her loving husband of 72 years, children Larry & Ellen Haywood, Mary and Dan Javor, Barbara Haywood and Bill and Melia Haywood, 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.  Following her wishes, there will be a delayed joint internment with her beloved husband and joint celebration of life at that time.