Joyce Ann Wetmore (née Crowder), a long-time Coloma resident known for her deep devotion to family, her generous spirit, and her quiet strength, died peacefully at her home on April 25, 2025. She was 81.
Born to James Caswell and Nellie Crowder in Gallatin, TN on June 6, 1943. She and her family moved to Berrien Center, MI where she attended elementary school in LaGrange Twp, Cass County, MI before moving to Eau Claire, MI where she graduated from Eau Claire High School in 1961. Joyce attended Twin City Business College and graduated in 1962 with a Junior Accounting degree.
Joyce married Jerrold Goldner of Benton Harbor, MI in June, 1963, and together they shared two daughters, Deborah Ann Goldner and Sheri Kay Goldner. She suffered the loss of her youngest daughter, Sheri in 1973. In 1975, she adopted her son, Daniel and not long after, her daughter, Amy in 1977. She married Jon Wetmore in September of 1982 and together, they made a family of five with his daughters Dawn and Rebecca. Over the years, that home became the heart of countless celebrations, holiday gatherings, and everyday moments that her family will cherish forever.
Joyce was known for her kindness, selflessness, hope, and faith in God. She was sweet, compassionate, and always there for her family and extended family of friends. She loved to crochet and quilt, but was renowned for her delicious cookies and cookie bars. She cherished her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; moreover, she always put everyone else’s needs before her own.
Joyce was a devoted employee of Coloma Public Schools for 42 years before retiring in 2015.
She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Goldner Pallas (Jeff), daughter Amy (Goldner) Melton, son Daniel Goldner (Jo), daughters Dawn Wetmore Knoll (Dennis) and Rebecca Wetmore Wolverton (Russell); grandchildren: Kaleb Kremers, Caswell Kremers, Kelseyann (Kremers) Wright, Jessica Patterson, Lauren (Patterson) La Plante; great grandchildren: Valerie, Leilani and Eliza Wright, and Lennon and Finley La Plante.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Sheri Kay Goldner, husband Jon, her parents, and brothers Aubrey and James Crowder.
Joyce passed away in the place she loved most – her home – surrounded by the people she loved and her faithful pup Lulu. In her final moments, there was peace, gratitude, and the unmistakable warmth of a life well lived.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 1 at Duffield Pastrick Family Funeral Home in Coloma. Visitation will be held at 10 am, service at 11 am, burial immediately following at Coloma Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Joyce’s name to Lucky Dog Ranch and Caring Circle Hospice.
VISITATION
Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home
Thursday, May 1, 2025
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
6548 Paw Paw Avenue
Coloma, MI 49038
FUNERAL SERVICE
Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home
Thursday, May 1, 2025
11:00 AM
6548 Paw Paw Avenue
Coloma, MI 49038
Burial will follow at Coloma Cemetery.
Posted On: Monday, April 28, 2025 3:41 PM
