Joyce Elaine King

Our beloved Joyce Elaine King went to be with the Lord on March 29, 2022. She was born on October 13, 1939, daughter of Beryl and Jane (Mulder) Hamilton and was the 4th of seven children. She was 82 and resided in Portage, Michigan for the past 53 years.

She is survived by her son, Kris (Leanne) King; grandson, Jared King; brothers and sisters, Jim Hamilton, Ron (Molly) Hamilton, Beverly Clay, Shirley (Ron) Ruster, Carol (John) Whitehead; and many nieces and nephews. Joyce was preceded in death by her sister, Marlene Hamilton; and in-laws, Gary Clay and Betty Hamilton.

Joyce spent 42 years as an inspirational school teacher often finding herself with 2nd generation 2nd graders in her classroom. She was a highly regarded educator within the Portage Public School District. Her creativity and love of learning extended far beyond the classroom as she authored a book of questions to think about and fashioned dozens of pop-up books to help commemorate life's special moments.

She was an active member and volunteer of Renovation Church. Joyce was known for organizing record-setting blood drives, and in recent years, Joyce spent time volunteering at the Portage Thrift Center.

Joyce was a woman of strong faith, and she loved Jesus with all of her heart. She was admired and revered by friends and family - as a voice of reason and as a voice of levity.

Friends may meet the family from 5-7pm Tuesday, April 5 at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, 3926 South 9th Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Services will be held at 11:00am Wednesday, April 6 at Renovation Church, 1715 West Centre. A light reception will follow the service at church. Private interment will be in Mt. Ever-Rest Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Renovation Church or the SPCA of Southwest Michigan. To view Joyce's personalized webpage please visit https://www.langelands.com