Joyce L. DeRight

DeRIGHT, Joyce L.
of Kalamazoo Joyce passed away Thursday evening, December 15, 2011, at Bronson Methodist Hospital. She was born August 5, 1943 in Kalamazoo. Joyce was a lifelong resident of Kalamazoo, attended Kalamazoo Central High School and was in the first graduating class at Loy Norrix High School in 1961. She earned her Bachelor and Master Degrees in Communications from Western Michigan University; where she was employed for over 35 years until her retirement in 2008. While at WMU, Joyce worked in their financial aid office, Sindecuse Health Center, and College of Education; where she worked as Director of Admissions and Advising from 1988 until her retirement. Joyce received the WMU College of Education Esprit de Corps Award and the WMU Distinguished Service Award. She was a past president of their Administrative Professionals Association, Pom Pon Squad advisor and an avid supporter of WMU athletics. Joyce also taught adult education at Kalamazoo Central High School for several years. She was a member of the Vine Street Neighborhood Association and a board member of the Southwest Michigan Chapter of the A.C.L.U. Surviving are her two sisters, Linda Martin of Kalamazoo and Marilyn Shaw of San Jose, CA; nieces and nephews, Shane Martin, Tasha Martin, Lori Frediani, Terri Shaw, Chris DeRight, Kelly Clay, Michael Shaw and Chris Shaw; many grand nieces and nephews; two brothers-in-law, Barry Jane DeRight and David Deb DeRight; and numerous close friends. Preceding her in death were her husband, Jon DeRight in 2004; father, Robert L. West; mother, Ruth Byrd Austin; and brother-in-law, Robert Shaw. A Memorial Service celebrating Joyce's life will be held at 1:30 PM on Wednesday, Dec. 28, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th Street, with dessert and beverages offered following the service. Memorial contributions may be directed to West Michigan Cancer Center or Kalamazoo Humane Society in honor of her dog, Jack.