Obituary of Joyce Denise Johnson

Joyce Denise Sanders (Johnson), age 56, was born August 12, 1965, in Albion, Michigan to the late Hollis and Lorine (Ward) Sanders. After a courageous battle against cancer, Joyce transitioned to her new home on December 13, 2021; while in the care of her beloved sister, Brenda White, surrounded by her family. Joyce accepted Christ at an early age at Leggett Chapel AME Zion Church, under the late Rev. Levi Saunders. She was a faithful member of the Hallelujah Choir. She later moved to Jackson, Michigan, and joined Canaan Land Temple, under the late Pastor Eugene Parker. She also sang in the choir (in her early years). Joyce later joined Word of Light Christian Center, under Pastor Wayne & Beverly White, whom she very much adored. Joyce had her first child LaQueena Shawn’te (Brewer) Fields before graduating from Albion High School in 1983. Despite the struggles of being a young parent, she also received her CNA license from The Vocational Center in Battle Creek, Michigan, and went on to work in various long-term care facilities in Jackson and Albion, Michigan. In her later years, she worked in manufacturing. Joyce retired in 2021 from Dawson Food Services in Jackson, Michigan due to her illness. Joyce met her Love, Darryl Johnson Sr. In 1986 they married and spent 23 years together. To this union two children were born: Terrica Desha Sanders and Darryl Johnson Jr. Joyce was a loving Mother, Grandmother, Sister, and friend. Even though her own struggles, there was nothing she would not do to help others (especially her family); She loved unconditionally and gave selflessly. Her passion was taking care of others, listening to music, cooking, and spending time with family. She leaves to cherish her three children, son-in-law to be Amonte Blythe, and Antonio Fields; nine grandchildren: Antione Chapman, NéVaéh Peggieann Sanders, KéShán LéShán Moore Jr, KoTajia Wilson, Darryl Johnson III, Jahzara Fields, Sabreena Fields, MiDestiny Johnson, and Hero Johnson; Her four siblings, whom she cherished, that never left her side: Nora (Pastor JC Sr) Oliver, of Albion MI, Hollis Sanders Jr, of Jackson MI, Wilda Faye Spicer, of Albion MI, and Brenda (Ronnie) White, of Albion MI; Aunt: Emma Sanders, of Bessemer AL; Uncles: Lester Sanders, of Bessemer AL, and Bo Sanders, of New York; Special Nephew: Deon’te Leon Sanders, of Albion MI; Special Cousins: Ricky Richardson, of Albion MI, Darlene Andrews and VV Hightower, of New York; Special friends: Donnie Brewer, of Albion MI, Marsha Buchanan, of Jackson MI, Aunt Jacquelyn Warnsley, of Jackson MI, and Arlene Holmes (aka Pee Wee), of Jackson MI; A host of cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, sisters: Carolyn Yvonne Lindsey, Barbra Jean Jackson, and sister-in-law Jacqueline Marie Sanders; brother-in-law: Napoleon Spicer Jr; Maternal Grandparents: Mitchell Sr and Mattie Lou (Wilson) Ward; Paternal Grandparents: Walter and Sadie (Aldridge) Sanders. Joyce will forever be missed.